Ted Cruz wins presidential straw poll at Republican Leadership Conference

CNN's Political Ticker ^ | May 31, 2014 | Conor Finnegan

[2ndDivisionVet]

Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has won another straw poll, boosting his national profile and elevating his name among potential 2016 presidential contenders.

The firebrand freshman senator and tea party favorite was among a handful of 2016 hopefuls speaking at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans this week.

Cruz finished in first place in the annual conference's presidential straw poll at 30.33%. Dr. Ben Carson, a Fox News commentator and conservative activist, finished in second with 29.38% while Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, was third with 10.43%.

Fox News host and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Texas Governor Rick Perry rounded out the top five, at 5.06% and 4.90%, respectively....

[MaxMax]

I think that poster backfired and didn't get the young people rilled up.
In fact it's probably very cool to everyone under 35 1/2 and they have no
idea what its purpose was. LOL!

[SoConPubbie]

There are MANY GREAT conservative governors with the experience of ACTUALLY running a state, I LOVE CRUZ do not get me wrong but this republic IS A MESS we NEED an experienced proven leader I would prefer we NOT elect another senator but a GREAT governor NOT JEB,or CHRISTY!!!!!

That's exactly WHAT Ted Cruz is and exactly WHAT HE HAS DONE.

None of the Governors you might put forward as being leaders have actually led on the issues of the day as well as Ted Cruz has done.

So if you are truly looking for a leader, and not just attempting to shill for someone else, you've already found him in Ted Cruz.

[RitaOK]

The governor-as-candidate pushing is right out of the Establishment playbook, and the attached Bush machine, for Jeb Bush.

Scott Walker has done well, but why must all Republican nominees, as in every single one, be from blue states?

TED CRUZ is educated and inarguably intellegent, a deft political stratigizer, someone who can convince general election voters that we can restore the nation and do so in a way that does not require script writers and an acid tongue. He burns no bridges.

Ron Paul has proven to be untrustworthy, too early
reaching for the Establishment crowd and the disenchanted democrats and independents, which should come later (when Hillarygazi enters the race).

In an evenly divided electorate, Cruz’s ticket mate, if he is in it to win it, will have to help with electoral votes from one of a few important toss up states.

[Kit cat]

I am looking at Scott Walker, this MAN withstood more than I EVER
DREAMED any politician would STAND UP TO!!! I DO LOVE Ted Cruz
but Scott Walker has EARNED more respect as far as I am concerned!!!
This man had the ENTIRE state house OVER RUN by thug union members, DEMS leaving and hiding out to protest, and most of all a RECALL!!!!! I know many people on this site thinks he is pro amnesty I have no proof of that and I truly admire his COURAGE!!!!!

[Nifster]

I stand with Ted

[CatherineofAragon]

Kit cat, Walker has done some good things, it’s true. But he is on record saying that he supports a pathway to citizenship for illegals.

[reasonisfaith]

Agreed. If Cruz has the strength to match his record with his rhetoric, he could be unstoppable as president.