Cruz warns Iowa conservatives against intraparty fight
ONAWA, Ia. — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who is making uncompromising principles the cornerstone of his presidential candidacy, asked Iowa conservatives Tuesday not to battle each other at upcoming precinct caucuses, warning it could lead to the Republican Party’s loss of the White House next year.
“The stage for the silly season is over. Washington wants us splintered. ... That is how the Washington candidate comes right up the middle with 23 percent, steals the nomination” and then loses the general election, Cruz told about 125 people at a campaign stop at the Onawa Public Library near the Iowa-Nebraska border.
Cruz, who took the lead among Republican presidential candidates in an Iowa Poll last month, cautioned that political mudslinging will only increase with the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses less than a month away. A fight among Iowa conservatives could open the door for a moderate GOP candidate, he suggested.
The senator also said millions of dollars will be spent on political attack advertising in the days ahead. Some of that literature — criticizing Cruz’s as “dangerous to Iowa farmers” — was distributed outside the Onawa library Tuesday. It came from a pro-ethanol group unhappy with Cruz's refusal to support the federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard that helps boost renewable fuel usage.
Cruz joked that the printed attack pieces “make great kindling in your fireplace.”
Later Tuesday during a campaign stop in Cherokee, a woman pressed Cruz on his opposition to the RFS, which requires transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels like ethanol produced from corn. Cruz said he favors encouraging all forms of energy production, but doesn't believe government "should be picking winners and losers." and he claimed that ethanol lobbyists "are trying the best they can to snooker the people of Iowa."
Cruz contended that if government barriers can be removed, ethanol markets can be expanded. However, he also said he favors a gradual phase out of the RFS between 2017 and 2022. He was also questioned Tuesday night on the Renewable Fuel Standard at Dordt College, a Christian school in Sioux Center, where many in the audience of about 500 people applauded his answer. Cruz said it's not true that he's opposed to Iowa corn farmers.
Cruz got warm reception in Onawa after being introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron. The Iowa congressman described Cruz as “pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-Second Amendment,” and a supporter of American exceptionalism and free enterprise.
The senator wasted no time vowing to rescind President Barack Obama’s newly issued executive orders aimed at preventing gun violence, as well as a host of Obama’s other executive actions.
“I can tell you those executive orders are not worth the paper they are printed on. … If you live by the pen you will die by the pen, and my pen has an eraser,” Cruz remarked, prompting laughter in the audience.
Cruz got high marks from several people who attended his appearance in Onawa.
“He was very impressive. I think his moral values and ideas about taking back our country are great,” said Brian Croker, 56, a farmer from nearby Whiting. Croker said he “more than likely” will caucus for Cruz.
Later in Cherokee, Cindy Mueller, a retired factory worker who is an independent, said she thought Cruz gave a great speech. But she still hasn't decided whether to support Cruz or Ben Carson for president. "I am going to do a lot of praying," she explained.
About the events
SETTINGS: Upstairs room at Onawa Public Library, Danny's Sports Spot restaurant in Cherokee; and Dordt College in Sioux Center.
CROWDS: About 125 people at both Onawa and Cherokee, and about 500 people in Sioux Center
REACTION: Enthusiastic and affirmative, clapping and sometimes cheering at key points in his speech in Onawa, particularly when he mentioned his plans for a flat tax and to abolish the Internal Revenue Service. At Dordt College, Cruz received a standing ovation when he was introduced and when he finished his remarks.
WHAT'S NEXT: Cruz was on the second day of a six-day Iowa campaign swing. His schedule Wednesday includes stops at Rock Rapids, Sibley, Spirit Lake, Spencer and Storm Lake.