Once again, the Republican Establishment has been sent a strong message by the voters, this time in Texas, as longshot candidate Rafael "Ted" Cruz won an easy win Tuesday over the sitting Lt. Governor of the Lone Star State in a battle for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
"Tonight’s victory will have Washington shaking in its boots but gives freedom-loving Americans encouragement to stand tall and keep fighting," said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), who had backed Cruz over Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
The Dewhurst loss was also another political setback for Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, as he had backed his top lieutenant, only to see him swamped at the polls.
And it was certainly another message to elected Republicans, that if you aren't seen as someone ready to shake things up, then maybe it's time to find something else to do (like sell shoes, as my first news director used to tell fellow reporters.)
"I will do everything I can to support the election of Ted Cruz," said retiring U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, who had stayed on the sidelines during this primary race.
Also getting in line was Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who heads the National Reupblican Senatorial Committee.
"I will do everything I can to help elect Ted Cruz in November and look forward to working with him next year," said Cornyn in a statement.
Cruz, who was given no chance to win this race a few months ago, has excited conservatives in a way that is reminiscent of Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.
Cruz will be the strong favorite in November to retain this seat for the GOP, as he faces Paul Sadler, who was the winner of the Democratic Party runoff.
