Posted on 09/26/2015 7:44:56 PM PDT by VinL
It was supposed to be a low-key drop-in, a so-called "retail stop" in between the candidate's more high-profile events Saturday in Iowa.
But shortly after strolling into a coffee shop in this tiny northern Iowa city, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz was holding court with a handful of supporters, a vocal number of them anxious to hear his take on some of the biggest news this week in Congress. It was the sudden resignation of House Speaker John Boehner, a growing target of conservative lawmakers who find him too willing to compromise with Democrats.
Cruz, for his part, did not go out of his way Saturday to crow about Boehner's departure, as he did a day earlier at an annual meeting of social conservatives in the nation's capital. But when asked about Boehner's fate at stops Saturday across Iowa, Cruz was happy to frame it in the context of his central pitch to primary voters.
"I think his resignation is a recognition of the undeniable fact that people across this country are frustrated with Washington and frustrated with Republican leadership because we keep campaigning, promising to fight for conservative principles, and then the pattern of Republican leadership over and over again has been to preemptively surrender to President Obama," the Texas senator told reporters before a speech Saturday evening in Thompson.
"I hope that message is heard by leadership in both chambers, by Senate leadership and whoever the next speaker of the House is," Cruz added, responding to a question about whether Boehner's resignation should be warning sign to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, another GOP leader dogged by his right flank.
Formally announcing his resignation Friday, Boehner cited the need to stave off "turmoil churning for months" stemming from a potential challenge for the gavel. While he and Cruz never directly clashed, Cruz has often advocated legislative tactics that pressured GOP leaders in both chambers to hold their ground on hot-button issues.
Asked Saturday morning in Urbandale if he felt he personally played a role in Boehner's decision, Cruz did not exactly distance himself from the idea.
"If the result of this leadership change is that we will get leadership that honors the commitments we've made to the men and women that elected us, then I hope I played some positive role in changing the culture of Washington," Cruz replied before dinging the media for wanting make Boehner's resignation about a "battle of personalities."
Later in Hampton, Cruz suggested Boehner's decision was related to the ongoing fight over federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which conservative lawmakers are targeting after the release of undercover videos that raised questions about the organization's business practices. "It's a big part of why the speaker of the House just resigned," the senator said.
Throughout Saturday, Cruz stopped short of wading into the House leadership races triggered by Boehner's departure. In Hampton, he insisted he would not meddle in the other chamber's business, but said the next speaker "should be a principled conservative and most importantly should be someone committed to honoring the commitments we've made" to the voters.
What about U.S. Rep. Steve King? asked one of his listeners at Rustic Brew, referring to the Tea Party firebrand from northwest Iowa.
"I love Steve King," Cruz replied. "Steve and I have become close friends because we've been side-by-side in the foxhole over and over and over again."
"It is a close question who leadership hates more — Steve King or me," Cruz added. "It might depend on the given day, but it's real close."
Right you are, CC. Some don’t want to give credit to Cruz, but Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine did-——
“We’re going to get new leadership in the House of Representative,” he said. “It’s happening because there’s a newly elected senator that showed up and started articulating principles that were consistent with the Republican platform.”
I think Cruz deserves as much credit as anyone. I don’t mind him getting the lion’s share.
The fact that Boehner is going, is the important thing to me.
Now, we have to make sure a Conservative gets the Speaker’s position.
This could all wind up being for nothing.
That can’t happen!
Ken Cuccinelli.
Yes!! How many were doing that before he came in and started articulating conservative principles and representing the people.
I don’t know him. Just so we’re clear, this is someone you think should replace Boehner?
Cuccinelli? Ran for Gov Virginia, GOP-e sold him out. He’s a Demint disciple, heads Senate Conservative Actions. A true believer. Yes, as to Speaker- he won’t sell out. Just my pipe dream, however.
K-Street is giving out checks because of the Boehner DEPARTURE...
Dark smoky rooms and all that.. 25 year scotch, cigars.. junkets..
Can’t have a conservative get in there you know..
Thanks. I’ll check him out. Appreciate the link.
K-Street is giving out checks because of the Boehner DEPARTURE... Dark smoky rooms and all that.. 25 year scotch, cigars.. junkets..Speaking of dark smoky rooms, Cruz's PAC handed the Carly PAC $500,000 in the dark of night.
I'm sure you hard working Cruz donors are tingling with excitement over your money going to Carly (who actually leads Cruz in the polls) instead of their intended candidate trying to gain traction to even catch up with Jeb.
Who else will get Cruz's donor's money? Rubio? Jeb? Close you eyes and pick one?
Speaking of dark smoky rooms, Cruz’s PAC handed the Carly PAC $500,000 in the dark of night.
Louie your so damned gullible.. it’s not Ted Cruz’s PAC..
Unless you knew that... and are sliming Ted Cruz like Chris Matthews...
Get funny feelings in your leg when you do that?..
or a vibrating Butt plug?.
That horse left the stable many hours ago.. try to keep up..
Being Speaker of the House when the economy collapses is not a great place to be...
Texas Tribune=Liberal Rag
Are you still trolling the Cruz threads? Your unhinged posts actually make you look like a kook.
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