Several prominent Republicans are sending signals of interest in a possible 2012 U.S. presidential bid as the party seeks to re-energize itself, observers say.

The political community twice this week saw signs of activity among prospective GOP presidential candidates, even though no one -- former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour -- spoke directly about a possible run, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

"This is a time when leaders in our party are trying to put forward a more compelling vision for voters," Republican strategist Terry Nelson told the Post. "It's also a time when one group of leaders has exited the stage and a new group of leaders has to come onto the stage to effectively put forward that message."

The 2012 presidential cycle has started more slowly than some strategists expected, the Post said, possibly because of President Obama's popularity and GOP in-fighting.

"There was no hunger to start a debate right away," veteran New Hampshire strategist Tom Rath said.

Others believe it is moving as swiftly as other recent election cycles, the Post said.

"The last thing anybody wants to do is look back in late 2010 or early 2011 and say, 'I wish I could run," GOP strategist John Weaver said. "I can see how I might have a chance but I squandered all this time and I don't have anything to show.'"