97 f150 not cranking!?

My 97 f150 was started this am to warm it up and when i tried to use the key it will not turn over. I was able to get it started by crossing the starter solenoid while the key is in the on position. I'm thinking it may be the switch that the wiring attaches to at the steering column because after i pulled it and pushed the lever to start it, nothing, not even a try to start .