How Big Is the Ted Cruz Caucus? (very interesting analysis)

blogs.rollcall.com ^ | 12/14/14 | Steven Dennis

[cotton1706]

It’s a question that will prove crucial next year when Mitch McConnell takes the reins of a new Senate: Just how big is the Ted Cruz caucus?

Three votes on the “cromnibus” late Saturday night suggest it could be as large as 22 senators — a dangerously high number for McConnell — or as few as a handful.

Let’s break down the three votes — on filibustering the $1.1 trillion package, on Cruz’s point of order aimed at targeting the president’s immigration action, and final passage.

The high-water mark for the Texas Republican came on his point of order vote, which 22 Republicans backed. While that represented a thumping, it could also be seen as a show of strength against the McConnell forces. Just 20 Republicans, including McConnell Republican Whip John Cornyn of Texas voted against Cruz; three did not vote.

Cruz’s point of order itself basically contended that the underlying bill was unconstitutional because it didn’t block President Barack Obama’s immigration action. Many Republicans, including Cruz, say they oppose the immigration action but don’t think the cromnibus itself is unconstitutional.

On final passage of the cromnibus, 18 Republicans voted no.

But only 12 Republicans joined Cruz in both votes for both his point of order and against the cromnibus. They are: Sens. Michael D. Crapo of Idaho, Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, Mike Lee of Utah, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Rob Portman of Ohio, Jim Risch of Idaho, Marco Rubio of Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Richard C. Shelby of Alabama and David Vitter of Louisiana.

[lodi90]

The bill was already going to pass. It’s hard to read anything into these votes since it was a done deal when McConnell gave Reid the votes to pass the bill.

Maybe Portman is planning to back stab conservatives on the DHS CR in February and wants this vote to fall back on? Or he traded his vote. Who knows.

[neocon1984]

A little blue pill might help ... or a few glasses of Johnnie Walker Blue.

Chill.

[bondserv]

Ted Cruz 38.01% (4,387 votes)

Rand Paul 35.25% (4,068 votes)

Dr. Ben Carson 13.65% (1,575 votes)

Scott Walker 3.4% (392 votes)

Rick Perry 3.26% (376 votes)

Mike Huckabee 2.77% (320 votes)

Jeb Bush 2.56% (296 votes)

Chris Christie 0.73% (84 votes)

Marco Rubio 0% (44 votes)

Total Votes: 11,542

http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/11/ben_carson_jeb_bush_rand_paul.html

[cotton1706]

You’re correct. I forgot about the two replacing other republicans, Sasse and Perdue.

[bigbob]

good points, and I agree that TEA is unnecessary - but the tactic of making these elitist career politicians afraid to come out in public in their home districts is what would be effective. Put them on notice that the last election was a wave and if they don’t pay heed, they’ll be waving goodbye to DC next time.

[Windflier]

I hope fewer. Can’t they replace him at first opportunity?

Wait.....are you talking about Ted Cruz?

I surely hope not.

[Windflier]

For me, its Cruz or Cruz.

Thank you for that clarification. I should have read further downthread.

[marron]

Most assuredly not. See my posts #18 and #20. Sorry I wasn’t more clear, I was referring to McConnell. I want him out of there at the first opportunity.

And as for the GOP, Cruz is my party. If they deep-six Cruz by some means, thats it for me.

[freedumb2003]

>>I was referring to the last line of post #1 McConnell is probably in for a miserable two years.<<

That is why I posted the 2nd though... Remember to add a little context next time. The OP directly addresses Cruz so obviously any follow-up comment would be thought to address Cruz as well.

Fortunately I have a piercing gaze... ;)

[Windflier]

Marco Rubio 0%

Well earned, I must say.

[marron]

Right, when I went back to look at my post I realized that I was not clear. I usually copy the text I’m answering, but I didn’t do it this time, my mistake.

cheers

[freedumb2003]

>>cheers<<

SKOAL!

*swig*

:)

[Windflier]

Cruz is my party. If they deep-six Cruz by some means, thats it for me.

I'm right there with you. The only other Republican I could stomach voting for in 2016 is Sarah Palin, but I'm almost certain that she won't run.

Ted Cruz is everything I need and want in a President, and then some. He's not only got my vote in the next election (as he did in the last), but I'll bust my tail to help him get into the White House.

[Liberty Valance]

bttt

[bondserv]

Rubio shifts with the sands (or swamps of Florida) aka GOPe. A true politician. Been tired of these types for many years.

Did you notice:
The Paulite hipsters failed to pull him over the line on this one. Social un-conservatives. Conservative is a lifestyle not an anarchist movement that is amoral.

[Usagi_yo]

Uh, yea about that Tea party ....

[theoldmarine]

Thanks for the link... Just voted for T.Cruz.
Is there really anyone else on the Senate side who is so clearcut in his positions? At this point I’d do anything I could to support him, and those who join him. Go TED 2016!
‘

[theoldmarine]

Thanks for the link... Just voted for T.Cruz.
Is there really anyone else on the Senate side who is so clearcut in his positions? At this point I’d do anything I could to support him, and those who join him. Go TED 2016!
‘

[bondserv]

Thanks for the link... Just voted for T.Cruz. Is there really anyone else on the Senate side who is so clearcut in his positions? At this point I’d do anything I could to support him, and those who join him. Go TED 2016!

I like you, am in Cruz control. His principles match most of America better than anyone since Reagan and lines up with the Founders who created the foundation of American culture. Brilliant and capable.

[erkelly]

What about Scott Walker?