Ted Cruz takes victory lap, blasts Donald Trump after Super Tuesday wins
Just off two wins during Super Tuesday's nominating contests, Republican presidential candidate and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz celebrated his victories with a round of mudslinging at current GOP front-runner Donald Trump.
"So long as the field remains divided, Donald Trump's path to the nomination remains more likely," Cruz told supporters gathered at the Redneck Country Club in Stafford, Texas. "And that would be a disaster for Republicans, for conservatives and for the nation." [Editor's note: It was later determined that Cruz had won in Alaska]
He briefly congratulated his chief rival for the billionaire's many wins Tuesday night, but also mentioned that "we are the only campaign that has beat Donald Trump once, twice, three times."
Including Iowa's kickoff caucuses last month, Cruz has now notched four state wins in the Republican primary contest. With the support of white evangelical conservatives, Cruz earned victories in Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska Tuesday.
"Fifteen states have now voted. Every one of those states so far have been won by either Donald Trump or myself," he added. "Head-to-head, our campaign beats Donald Trump resoundingly." [Editor's note: It developed later that Marco Rubio had won the Minnesota caucuses]
Cruz drew stark differences between himself and the presidential front-runner, who he called "profane" and "vulgar."
"America shouldn't have a president whose words would make you embarrassed if your children repeated them," Cruz said. "Our president should make us all proud -- should inspire hope in all of us." He charged Trump is a "Washington dealmaker" who has used "government power for personal gain" and who has turned his back on pro-life principles and Second Amendment rights.
In his speech, Cruz also called on his fellow White House hopefuls to consider withdrawing from the race, so conservatives could unite behind Cruz and put an end to Trump's momentum.
"Republicans, together we have a choice. We are blessed with a deep, talented, honorable field," he said. "For the candidates who have not won a state, I ask you to prayerfully consider our coming together, uniting." And for those voters "who have supported other candidates, we welcome you on our team, united standing as one."