Rep. Steve King promoted installing Rep. Michele Bachmann as Republican Conference chairwoman in the 112th Congress.

“Michele is intellectually brilliant, a very quick study, and philosophically sound,” the Iowa Republican said in his endorsement. 

Bachmann (Minn.) announced Wednesday her intention to run to succeed Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.), who is stepping down following House Republicans’ successful midterm elections. He is widely rumored to be considering a run for higher office.

But House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who is running for Majority Leader, endorsed Rep. Jeb Hensarling (Texas) to succeed Pence.

King cited Bachmann’s communication skills in his endorsement. “The Republican Conference Chair needs to be the best communicator we have,” he said. “Mike Pence is our best communicator and Michele Bachmann is a very close second who has the ability to become even more effective than Pence. Michele has charisma and she brings with her an impressive skill set.”

He also applauded her conservative credentials. “She embodies the agenda of the constitutional conservatives,” he said. “Constitutional Conservatives are the majority makers, the conscience of America and the new agenda setters.”

Bachmann has already begun reaching out to Members, spokesman Sergio Gor said Wednesday, and King encouraged Members to lend their support.

Jackie Kucinich contributed to this report.