Cruz stirs suspicion with major speech

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is set to deliver a speech on Monday at Liberty University that is stirring speculation about a possible presidential announcement.

Allies to the likely GOP 2016 hopeful are reaching out to political reporters and encouraging them to attend what they’re billing as a major address at the evangelical school about 150 miles from D.C. 

The conservative college founded by the late Jerry Falwell has often played a major role in the Republican fight for the White House, with hopefuls frequently making stops to speak to the evangelical base of the party. 

If Cruz does launch a bid, as expected, those evangelical voters will be crucial to separating himself in a crowded likely GOP field. 

The first-term Texas senator has long been expected to run for the White House, making frequent visits to early states. Other likely rivals, including Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.) and Marco Rubio (Fla.), are also expected to announce in the next month.