GOP CONVENTION | No sight of Trump endorsement, but plenty of Cruz ambition

CLEVELAND (AP) — Sen. Ted Cruz's Texas-size political ambitions will be on full display today as the primary runner-up delivers a prime-time convention speech, but holds off on a full-throated endorsement of Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The conservative senator repeatedly clashed with Trump during a bitter primary fight, with the New York businessman mocking the lawmaker as "Lyin' Ted." With an eye toward 2020, Cruz's team drafted a convention speech focusing on adherence to the Constitution, a calling card for conservatives and a perceived contrast with Trump.

Cruz has not endorsed Trump despite pleas for party unity from the campaign and party officials. Nor is he expected to in his speech, which was carefully screened by Trump campaign officials, the senator's aides said.

Before Trump even accepts the nomination, Cruz's supporters as well as critics say undercurrents in Cleveland are emboldening the senator's band of believers and stoking his 2020 prospects, should Trump lose in November.

Cruz is eager to be seen as the face of the modern conservative movement should Trump lose in November and create an open GOP field in four years.