Ted Cruz Lines Up a Texas Two-Step
In Thursday’s Dallas Morning News, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick authored an op-ed in which he explained why he is backing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) for president.
The editorial brushed a wide range of issues. But the centerpiece of his argument in support of Cruz was on the issue of immigration. He wrote:
“Ted Cruz, along with Reps. Jeff Sessions, Steve King and other strong House conservatives, successfully stopped the Gang of Eight bill. We need a president who will have the same resolve not simply to stop bad legislation but also to implement the right reforms. Ted Cruz has a detailed immigration plan to do just that. And he has the record and character demonstrating his political will to get the job done.
“Republicans cannot elect a candidate who stood with Democrats for amnesty for those who have entered our country illegally. Sen. Marco Rubio’s record on immigration matches the failed platform of the Democrats. He has said he will not rescind DACA, he has supported in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, and he double-downed on a flawed and dangerous approach to admitting refugees. He has refused to stand for the rule of law and American safety when the fight mattered most.
“A broken immigration system is the greatest threat to our safety here at home. We cannot elect a candidate who has consistently sided with illegal aliens over the American people and has admittedly failed to foresee dangers of unvetted immigrants and refugees. This need must be addressed, not simply since the San Bernardino attack but dating back to Sept. 11, 2001.
“Some have touted Donald Trump as the candidate who will be tough on immigration, but his record on that issue is inconsistent with his rhetoric. What’s more, while Trump wants to build a wall, he’s also said he would let lawbreakers come right back in through “touch-back” immigration—a proposal Democrats have favored.
“There is not an iota of evidence that Trump would actually follow up and secure our border. We cannot take such a chance on our nation’s future.
“Ted Cruz has always put Americans’ safety and freedom above political pressure. His entire career he has defended our constitutional rights and protected Americans from a lawless government.”
Patrick’s endorsement is the second major endorsement from the Lone Star State for Cruz in as many days. Gov. Gregg Abbott gave his endorsement on Wednesday and appeared with the senator on the campaign trail.
