Take away: Cruz is fiscally conservative in personal matters.
That’s a good thing, assuming you are a conservative, and evidence of good leadership and fiscal acumen.
Even better, Trump spent pretty much his own money, not stuff that other people gave him (that comes with strings).
Bingo.
I’m always impressed with candidates who don’t waste money.
Your point is really good. The comparison between Yeb! and Cruz is a perfect analog for the difference between the GOPe and real conservatives. GOPe, being essentially big government liberals, throw barrels of other people’s money at problems. The worse the problem gets, the more money they throw. A conservative analyzes the problem, evaluates how much money is needed or worthwhile to apply to the problem and spends that amount. Here, Cruz understood there was limited support to be gained in a liberal northeast state and spent enough to place within the delegate lottery, surpass the two establishment heavyweights and exceed expectations. Even in the loss, he looks strong and smart and ready to tackle the next problem.