Most Tepid Endorsement of the Campaign?
Mike Pence gives Ted Cruz the nod.
With the Indiana primary looming on Tuesday as a virtual must-win for Ted Cruz, he’s gone full-court press in the Hoosier State. He selected Carly Fiorina as his running mate earlier this week, and is looking for any help he can get to pick up all 57 of Indiana’s delegates. So the endorsement of Gov. Mike Pence was a welcome one.
“I like and respect all three of the Republican candidates in the field. I particularly want to commend Donald Trump who I think has given voice to the frustration of millions of working Americans with a lack of progress in Washington, DC. I am also particularly grateful that Donald Trump has taken a strong for Hoosier jobs when we saw jobs of the Carrier company abruptly announcing they are leaving Indiana. Not for another state, but for Mexico.”
Wait, this is supposed to be an endorsement for Cruz, right?
Be patient. He’s getting there.
“I’m not against anybody, but I will be voting for Ted Cruz in the Republican primary. I am a Reagan conservative. … I see Ted Cruz as a principled conservative who’s dedicated his career to advancing the Reagan agenda. … I’m very impressed with Ted Cruz’s devotion and knowledge of the Constitution … to our Second Amendment, and of course, I appreciate his strong and unwavering stand for the sanctity of life. … He has shown the courage of his convictions. It’s not a popular thing in Washington to take on the leadership of your own party, and he has been willing to do it.”
But Pence also went on to “encourage every Hoosier to make up their own mind.” Given Trump’s increased strength and ever-likelier nomination, that’s understandable. The pressure will be strong to rally behind the nominee, and Pence doesn’t want to alienate Trump’s supporters.
Too bad John Boehner didn’t feel the same way about Cruz supporters.