05 Escape begins to start then suddenly stops

[blu3design]

Hello,

My girlfriend has a 2005 Escape XLT V6. As she turns the ignition to crank the vehicle it starts to turn over and stops mid cycle. If she continues to hold the key in the start position without moving, it will crank after a few seconds (sometimes it works fine but it's beginning to happen regularly). Sounds to me like the ignition module/switch may be worn out or shorting due to hundreds of turns (shouldn't wear out this soon but maybe a design flaw). Also, could it be the starter?

I realize this sounds like a battery issue but it doesn't have the symptoms of a failing battery- though I'm open to any ideas.

Thanks for any input.

aAron_