Ryan once worked in Boehner’s office as an intern, and the two have been close ever since. Ryan’s mimicking of Boehner’s attitude this week, and Boehner’s paternal-like defense of Ryan’s plan, could foretell a scenario one day in which the speaker’s gavel passes from one small-town Midwesterner to the other. But that won’t likely happen anytime soon; Boehner’s office has said the speaker will run for reelection in the next Congress. And Ryan, who is term-limited as chairman of the Budget Committee, appears likely to take over the Ways and Means panel in 2015.

Still, Ryan’s name has long been whispered—sometimes shouted—as a potential successor to Boehner. That speculation could have ended abruptly this week. But it didn’t. In fact, listening to his colleagues shower him with adoration in recent days, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think Ryan’s budget compromise may be a major asset.

“The only reason that I am, at this point, undecided is out of my complete respect and regard for Paul Ryan,” Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., said Wednesday. “He has remained personally committed to conservative principles. He has remained personally committed to balancing the budget in 10 years. I am proud to serve with him.”

Lummis, whom Ryan ultimately couldn’t convince to support the budget deal, nonetheless added, “He has been a marvelous soldier.”