The strategy of the Mainstream Republicans seems to be coming evident. In Virginia, the Mainstream Republicans went to a form of open primary which allows de facto Democrats to choose the Republican Candidate and then vote Liberal in the general election, thus screwing the conservative wing of the party.
If Senator Cruz or any real bona fide conservative begins to become a credible winner of the nomination, the Mainstream Republicans will open up more primaries to Democrats.
I think Senator Cruz can win the general election. I doubt that he can win the Republican nomination.
TWB
I think the backup is a brokered convention.