Iowa Rep. Steve King — one of the most polarizing conservative voices in Congress — is seeking to influence the 2016 GOP presidential primary contest not as a candidate, but by playing the role of gatekeeper.

King, who appeared at a meeting of conservative activists in Charleston Monday, is also planning tours of New Hampshire and his homestate of Iowa to observe potential contenders and help frame the issues and positions they champion.

He expressed to those at Mallory Factor’s regular meeting Monday that he wants to set up “bumpers, like a bowling lane” to keep 2016 candidates “in a lane,” according to a person who attended.

“Didn’t sound like he is running himself.  He wants more of a kingmaker role,” the source told Yellowhammer. “He wants to shape the field and has the opportunity since he’s from Iowa.”

The six-term King has been one of the most vocal opponents of the bipartisan Senate immigration bill and earned a wave of backlash most recently for his comments describing illegal immigrants as drug smugglers.

Democrats would be eager to link any of the GOP candidates to King and his rigid right-wing ideology, but the congressman could prove influential in a primary, especially in the first in the nation caucus.

“We need to restore this country to the founding principles so we can go beyond the shining city upon a hill,” King told Factor’s meeting Monday, according to the source.

He didn’t send any hints as to which potential candidates he prefers, but talked up Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal in a private conversation, mentioning his recent trip to the Hawkeye State to donor Bruce Rastetter’s party.

King contemplated a U.S. Senate run in 2014, but ultimately passed on the race, likely calculating he could carve out a national presence more easily by influencing the 2016 race.

Depending on your political persuasion, that could make one anxious or excited.

Follow Dave’s blog at TheRun2016.com