I elevate NO ONE to deity status (unlike the Trumpettes).
I analyze the candidates positions and past record/statements, and determine which one BEST represents the conservative principles I hold dear.
In terms of BEST represents, there is no credible competition between (D)onald and Cruz. Sure, Ted misses the mark on some things, but nowhere near as often as the (D)onald.
So, no deification - just careful calculus - although in this particular equation, precision is hardly required to see the massive disparity.
The GOP voting base has just never been big on Cruz which is why he has struggled in the polls for 8 months. If not for Trump jumping in Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio would be running one and two and Cruz would be out of contention.
Cruz drafted on Trump’s rear bumper in the hopes that Donald would eat him last and it got him into a distant second place without much scrutiny. Now Trump has turned his tender mercies Ted’s way. Cruz’s recent sideways votes, eligibility weakness and oops moments capped off by campaigning with the Blanche Dubois of republican talk radio and his support is sliding South fast.