Cruz Selects Fiorina As Running-Mate; Wants To Stop Trump
(CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Senator Ted Cruz announced former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina as his running mate if he wins the Republican nomination.
The news comes as Cruz tries to stop frontrunner Donald Trump from becoming the nominee before the GOP convention in Cleveland in July. To do that, analysts say Cruz must win in Indiana next Tuesday, and so far, Trump leads in the polls there by an average of six points.
During a rally in Indianapolis Wednesday afternoon, Cruz praised Fiorina, saying if necessary, she could become commander in chief. "In addition to her intelligence, she's a woman of principle. She respects the Constitution and the Bill of Rights."
Fiorina told supporters the Republican primary isn't over yet. "This fight is far more than a ticket. This fight is far more about Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina, this is a fight for all of us. For our party, for our future, for our children's future."
She called Trump and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton liberals who won't challenge and change the status quo. "Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will be disastrous for this nation."
One of Cruz's supporters, Molly Maddux of Euless, is confident in his decision. "I will support Senator Cruz in whatever he decides because he's the man, and he knows what he's doing. I've watched him all these years, he's pretty mistake-free."
UT Arlington political science professor Allan Saxe questioned the timing of the announcement. "It's a little bit unorthodox to pick a VP candidate this early in the game."
Most candidates select their running mates before the convention. Saxe said Cruz must win in Indiana next week to stop Trump from winning the nomination out-right.
Republicans need 1,237 delegates to win the nomination. There are still 502 delegates still up for grabs.
Trump needs 250 more to win, but Cruz is already mathematically eliminated, and can only win the nomination if he forces Trump into a contested convention.
When asked if the announcement will help Cruz stop Trump, Saxe said, "That's highly questionable. It looks like it's going to be difficult for anybody or a series of candidates who can stop Donald Trump at this point."
Maddux has previously volunteered for Cruz's campaign in Iowa and here in Texas, and she says, "I've done everything I can to push my Senator through to be the President."
If Cruz loses in Indiana, his last hope of stopping Trump from winning enough delegates will be in California June 7.
Trump already has an 18 point lead there.
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