Texas Rep. Bill Flores is moving toward running for House speaker, and has sent a letter to his colleagues laying out what he sees as his qualifications.

But Flores, who chairs the Republican Study Committee, said in the letter that he "will not run for and/or I will withdraw from this race should Chairman [Paul] Ryan elect to run; and, I will give him my full support in this effort."

Flores wrote that the House GOP can unite when lawmakers recognize "(i) the desires and needs of our fellow colleagues to successfully serve their respective districts, (ii) the value of pursuing the best achievable outcomes as exemplified by President Reagan’s presidency, and (iii) the strength that comes through unity with our House GOP sisters and brothers. " He also highlighted his experience in the energy industry. 

Flores has one organizational advantage: He has an internal political operation set up from his race for the RSC chairmanship. He is asking the same people to serve as whips, and identify freshmen who might support him.

Flores is one of several Republicans weighing a race. Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn and Texas Rep. Mike Conaway also are considering runs. Everyone, however, is moving gingerly as they wait for Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to make a definitive decision.