Not forgetting where he got his start on his journey to an improbable win in the race to replace retiring Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Sen-elect Ted Cruz held a conference call yesterday, the day before he is to be sworn in to office. He had a short opening statement, then took questions from call participants. Rather than give you my spin on the call, I’ve split the call into segments so that you can listen for yourself.
Opening Statement from Sen-elect Cruz:
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-opening-statement.mp3]
Gun control from Jim Roth in Carrollton, Texas:
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-gun-control.mp3][audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-fiscal-cliff.mp3]
Growth Policies from Jed Babbin
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-growth-policies.mp3]
Republican Leadership from Javier Manjarres of The Shark Tank
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-leadership-changes.mp3]
Future of Republican Party from Robert Stacy McCain
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-republican-future.mp3]
Message to send to students from Greg Aydt of Rhymes with Right
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-message-to-kids.mp3]
Obamacare and priority legislation
[audio:http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ted-cruz-conf-call-010213-loyal-opposition.mp3]
I think that you will find some interesting stuff his answers to each of these questions and in the opening statement if you take the time to listen to them. His answer on the growth policies was classic free market Ted, reminiscent of his talk at the RNHA meeting back in April 2011. His answers to the leadership, future, and message questions were similar in that they reflect his overall philosophy. He does not like the fiscal cliff “compromise” bill – at all. And his last answer about his promise to file a bill to eliminate Obamacare on his first day shows that he understands that would be futile.
Overall, an excellent start for the new senator from Texas.
As I was wrapping up this post, I received this release from Sen. John Cornyn:
Cornyn Welcomes Senator Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after joining Ted Cruz (R-TX) as he was sworn in as Texas’ next U.S. Senator:
“Ted has quickly proven himself to be among the next generation of leaders of Texas and the Republican Party. I’m pleased to welcome him to the Texas delegation and I look forward to working closely with him as we fight for a conservative agenda that will grow the economy and create jobs while putting our nation on a path towards fiscal prosperity.”
Of interest:
Javier Manjarres of The Shark Tank’s take on the call: Ted Cruz- “Republicans Got Clobbered,” Lacked Argument in 2012
Robert Stacy McCain’s take: Ted Cruz Vows to Lead Opposition to Dianne Feinstein’s Gun-Grab Bill
Greg Aydt’s take at Rhymes with Right: Senator Ted Cruz
Senator Cruz really shone like a Lone Star in the Hagel hearings this week. He really stood out all right…like a terd in a pan of milk.