Ever since Dr. Ben Carson boldly criticized President Obama's health care reform legislation and tax proposals pretty much to his face at last month's National Prayer Breakfast, conservatives have had a crush on the neurosurgeon superstar.

Carson has no political experience, but some are even flirting with the idea of him as a 2016 presidential candidate. And he's flirting right back.

In a New York Times interview published Thursday, Carson, who will retire in June from his practice at Johns Hopkins Hospital, seemed open to at least considering a White House bid.

"Certainly if a year and a half went by and there was no one on the scene and people are still clamoring, I would have to take that into consideration," he told the publication. "I would never turn my back on my fellow citizens."

It wasn't the first time he'd publicly toyed with the idea. In remarks delivered at last week's Conservative Political Action Conference, Carson teased his audience with the possibility. When he said, "Let's just say if you magically put me in the White House …," the response was a standing ovation.

Despite his appeal, however, it would be a daunting task, given Carson's lack of political experience. But, some believe that it also could be an asset.

"I think it speaks to the vacuum not just in the Republican Party but in politics, Republican consultant Alex Castellanos told the Times. "Anybody who is serious and thoughtful and an anti-politician is the opposite of the mess we've got now."

Carson says that for now, he wants "to have a voice." The GOP is listening.

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(Photo: REUTERS /JONATHAN ERNST /LANDOV)