FORT WORTH -- We all know Texas is a red state. C'mon, we're gonna vote for a Republican in 2016. So, it's time to fan the conservative flame, right? That's why Republican Senator Ted Cruz was throwing red meat to a hungry crowd at the Fort Worth Stockyards Thursday.
Cruz played up his Texas roots and promised a staunchly conservative approach to the presidency.
The large crowd ate it up, but it's still not expected to be a "cruise" to the White House for the senator. He's currently tied for third in a crowded GOP field, at around 8% according to a poll released Thursday.
But Cruz and his supporters downplayed any doubts, pointing out that it was a challenging road to his Senate seat as well.
To gain the Republican nomination, Cruz will have to dethrone Donald Trump who sits on top of the heap with 30% of Republican support.
Trump might have won over some critics Thursday when he signed a "GOP Loyalty Pledge," promising not to run as a third-party candidate and to back any candidate Republican delegates choose.
But back in "Cruz Country," folks are hoping the Trump road show hits a bump and voters turn to Cruz instead.
