http://twitter.com/#!/TheRickWilson/status/329548464365109249

With many conservatives soured on frequently mentioned 2016 GOP presidential contenders like Sen. Marco Rubio and Gov. Chris Christie, National Review’s Robert Costa reports that freshman Sen. Ted Cruz is seriously considering a bid.

Cruz is cagey about what he says in public and private, but his interest is undeniable, according to people who’ve spoken with him

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

I hear from several sources that Cruz is privately (and seriously) considering a bid nationalreview.com/article/347052…

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Read the whole thing.

On Wednesday morning, Costa tweeted highlights from his interviews with Republican insiders and Cruz associates.

Top conservative insiders, with decades+ experience, tell me that the boomlet for Cruz within the movement is very real

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

“If you don’t think this is real, then you’re not paying attention,” says a Republican insider nationalreview.com/article/347052…

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

The buzz that Cruz may actually do this causes heartburn within other camps. They fear his candidacy would become a cause for activists

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

GOP heartburn? Go on. We’re listening.

Most interesting things I found out over last few days… 1) Republicans who are close to Cruz, especially atty pals, think ’16 talk serious

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

2) Cruz’s wife, Heidi, seems open and supportive at this early stage of consideration, according to folks who know her

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

3) Cruz doesn’t have much of a political team/staff, but he has a wide network and several conservative leaders ready to pitch in

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

4) Movement players who are mixed on Paul, sour on Christie, anti-Jeb, and disappointed in Rubio are actively looking for a new candidate

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

5) His rapid rise has only accelerated things. No one in Cruz World saying “slow down.” Mix of confidence and wooing is a potent brew

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

6) Ted Cruz is his own Svengali. Keeps tight counsel, builds relationships mostly on his own. Constantly huddling w/ movement players

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

7) Sources who know Cruz are pretty frank about his interest in WH. Says it’s not a secret to those who know him. Part of the “plan.”

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

8) Cruz is supposedly an expert, per his friends, at winning over big $ guys. Thiel, other financiers cld fuel ’16 run, Adelson-style

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

9) Cruz allies laugh at the idea that Canadian birth will be a prob. Say he’s brilliant atty, knows how to explain how he’s “natural born”

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

The big drama in press always seems to be collapse of the GOP. But on Right, real simmering drama is how the movement feels alienated

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

This is why movement is quietly wooing Cruz. They see Dole-Bush-Bush-McCain-Romney, and say, “now, it’s our turn, and we’ll pick our guy”

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

When you bring up Cain/Bachmann w/ Cruz allies, they scoff. Say his resume, education, and skills make him a first-class contender

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Cruz’s bet is that tho media says GOP wants to “reform” or change, his gut tells him that party wants spirit of 2010 in ’16, not RNC autopsy

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

People who know Cruz say he’s out-studied, out-hustled people his entire life, from HS to Harvard, law firm to TX. Wld relish ’16 challenge

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Friends told me to look at how his speaking style has changed since beginning of Senate race. Less doom and gloom now, more smiles, loose

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Part of reason for increased Cruz chatter within Right circles: Rubio, Ryan, and Paul have irked many cons for their takes on immigration

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Cruz’s friends say he has never had fealty to the GOP as an institution. Insider pedigree, but outsider perspective. Ideological atty

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Another thing to consider: Cruz’s personal & professional alliance with Palin. Some may roll eyes, but that base-and email list-is powerful

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Cruz is giving commencent address at Hillsdale College this month, which is considered the citadel of conservatism blog.chron.com/txpotomac/2013…

— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) May 1, 2013

Thank you, Robert Costa! This gives us the perfect excuse to post the awesome animated GIF of Sen. John McCain doing the Shamnesty Shake for Obama while Ted Cruz shows off his unimpressed face.

Delicious!

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/05/01/president-ted-cruz-report-calls-his-2016-interest-undeniable/