The Associated Press reports

Rep. Paul Ryan formally declared his candidacy for speaker of the U.S. House Thursday evening, pledging in a letter to GOP colleagues, “We have an opportunity to turn the page.”

One can only hope this is sincere and that he will actually stand up for the values his constituents and the party he represents believe in. And that he walks the walk.

Despite initial reluctance, Ryan told colleagues he was excited for the opportunity at hand.

“I know you’re willing to work hard and get it done, and I think this moment is ripe for real reform,” he wrote. “I believe we are ready to move forward as a one, united team. And I am ready and eager to be our speaker.”

That would be a good thing as long as the unity does not involve a heaping spoonful of betrayal.

Ryan, 45, the Republicans’ 2012 vice presidential nominee, was an unwilling candidate for speaker, dragged into the contest under pressure from GOP leaders who saw him as their only hope of bringing order to a House GOP careening out of control. Speaker John Boehner announced his surprise resignation last month under pressure from conservatives, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy abruptly dropped his bid to replace him.

Ryan, the only House Republican with national stature and broad appeal, finally agreed to seek the post, with conditions. He wanted to emerge as House Republicans’ unity candidate, endorsed by the three major factions of House Republicans, to guarantee he could lead with a mandate — not risk becoming the latest victim of the intraparty unrest roiling Capitol Hill and the presidential campaign.

Which is the thing people have been complaining about for the last 6 years. And perhaps Mr. Ryan is the candidate to bring the party together before 2016. He got the Freedom Caucus to back him (which includes the more conservative and libertarian minded Representatives) which does make me have a sense of hope for the future. Best part is that Paul Ryan actually demanded time to be with his family. And he gave up the chance to run for the presidency to try and unify the party.

Hopefully this adult will end the silly season and we will actually get a candidate that might not only win but actually represent us. Nicely done sir. And about time.