Don't underestimate Ted Cruz

Washington Times:

Sen. Ted Cruz’s month-old presidential campaign has won strong reviews from GOP insiders in key states who say he’s managed to tap into the anti-establishment sentiment of primary voters, and his allies have proved they have the ability to raise tens of millions of dollars to boost his bid.

The Texan’s presidential aspirations hinge on his ability to lay claim to being the chief conservative alternative in the race, which means he’ll have to find a way to expand beyond the tea party and social conservative base that he begins with.

“He is expanding his base, and he is right now hitting on a lot of cylinders and I think the mechanics of the campaign have done well,” said Dave Carney, a GOP operative in New Hampshire. “My advice is: do not underestimate him. He is a serious, serious, guy and the more the nation’s elites make fun of him, the stronger he will be. Everyone ignores him at their own peril.”

Robert Vander Plaats, head of The Family Leader, an Iowa-based Chritstian group, said Mr. Cruz’s rollout has been “exceptional.”

“I am one of these who believes if the caucuses were held today, Cruz would definitely compete for winning it,” Mr. Vander Plaats said. “I think he is really being rewarded for his bold leadership in the Senate, and his willingness to expose both sides of the aisle — not just the Democrats.”
...

Ted Cruz is a fearless politician and that scares his opponents more than anything.  They know he cannot be cowed into abandoning his principles.   He was underestimated when he won his Senate seat and I think he was again when he announced his candidacy.  One of his challenges now will be showing he could generate the political support needed to enact his policy positions.