Americans searched Arizona Sen. John McCain's name almost 2 to 1 over then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama during the year before ballots were cast in the presidential election, according to Google.

"With Glenn Beck, I think you're looking at a very aggressive, very ambitious man who has found a foothold and wants to be even a larger voice for that conservative community," said Maura Carabello, political strategist for the Exoro Group, a public policy firm. "So I don't see him taking the foot off the gas anytime soon."

Carabello said the latest fascination into Beck's LDS membership, which came prior to Obama calling Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to a U.S. ambassadorship, likely derived from increased national attention to rumors that Huntsman would be called to a Cabinet position, as well as buzz about Mitt Romney's anticipated presidential run in 2012. Both men are members of the LDS Church.

Beck, a conservative lightning rod, said he acts differently from the station to the steeple.

"I think I'm more passionate about subjects I discuss in church, but I present it in a different way," Beck said. "In church, I am in (God's) home, and I always try to remember that."

Beck recently addressed his congregation about a discourse given by church President Thomas S. Monson, "Be of Good Cheer."

He's served the church from various angles during his 10-year membership, but never from the position of a Primary teacher.

"Not yet," Beck said. "I haven't been asked, but when my ward Primary presidency reads this article, I'm sure I'll be asked to substitute."

But that doesn't mean the rambunctious host can't wrangle that young age group. The best-selling author is known for racing home to read to his two youngest children most evenings, but tosses all credit to his wife for keeping the two in line.

"She is an incredible woman who makes what I do possible," he said.

Beck will be in Utah on Saturday to speak at the Capitol for an annual fundraising gala for George Wythe University, a private, nonprofit school based in Cedar City. A limited number of tickets for the 6 p.m. event are still available and may be purchased by calling 435-586-6570.

E-mail: jhancock@desnews.com