How about GOP leaders saw this election going either to Trump or to Cruz - two unacceptable options, since that would put an end to illegal immigration. Their response? A sleazy attack on Trump that would be linked to Cruz, and throw in a sleazy attack on Cruz that would be linked to Trump.
The people who benefit from Trump and Cruz acting like middle school girls are the party establishment. We know Rubio has been trying to get the Cruz/mistress stories going for months. GOP leadership strikes me as the most likely explanation for both stories coming out.
Assuming the Cruz story is false ... thats the best explanation so far ...
This is certainly a theory that we should keep in mind when evaluating what is going on. The McDaniel incident in Mississippi demonstrates that they are not above pulling some dirty tricks.
But I still think it is overzealous supporters pulling a "Murder of Thomas Becket"-like stunt.