In a recent interview, Republican congressman Paul Ryan made it clear that if he decides to cast his lot into the 2016 presidential race, it will be entirely on his terms.

Unlike other potential GOP presidential candidates who have already begun making trips to early nominating states like Iowa and New Hamsphire, the conservative Wisconsin leader has remained under the radar.

However, Ryan told the Washington Post that there's still a strong chance that he will enter the race, and that he will make his decision next year.

"I'm not in a rush," said the 44-year-old House Budget Committee chairman. "My way is to do the job at hand, do it well, and not worry about strategizing how I can do better than this guy or that guy in New Hampshire. I'm not in a place where I have to scratch and claw to get my name out there. Why do I need to blow money on that? I'll line it all up next year and do my long list of pros and cons, this and that."

Rep. Ryan made it clear that he does not consider himself as a House "lifer." Instead, he aspires to continue to elevate his political career, although he doesn't feel pressure to make a decision about 2016 any time soon.

"I don't feel the need to be out there, putting my toe in the water," he said. "I don't see the point in it. It's not fun and I don't think I need to. I already know a lot of people in these key states well. They call me up, so I don't feel the need to have to chum."

He went on to say that his former running mate in the 2012 presidential election, Mitt Romney, has encouraged him to run for the White House in 2016. In addition, he also has the support of his family.

"My kids loved it when I was with Mitt," Ryan said. "They enjoyed it and thought it was great. My family, of all families, understands what it takes and has a good sense of what it's like."

Other potential Republican contenders in the 2016 race include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, reports The Hill.

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