Speaker Cruz?

Robert Costa has a fascinating report on how Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is now playing an inside game with House Republicans.

“Leadership sources, for their part, are startled by Cruz’s attempt to shape House strategy and work against the speaker. They knew he’d oppose Boehner’s playbook, but they didn’t expect him to huddle with conservatives and ask them to ignore it. So, Cruz’s meetings have made him a key House player, but they’ve worsened his already-fraught relationship with the leadership.”