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| More than 1500 people gather in the Shrine Auditorium in San Antonio for a Ted Cruz rally on Monday Photos by Robert Smith |
By Robert Smith
Over 1500 people packed the Shrine Auditorium near Stone Oak Monday afternoon during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.
Just one day before Super Tuesday, Cruz is visiting Texas’ major cities in a last minute attempt to sway voters. With his wife Heidi and two daughters next to him, Cruz took the stage to a standing ovation and patriotic country music.
“This election is going to focus on three issues: jobs, freedom, and security,” Cruz told the supporters. “The heart of our economy is small business; you wanna hammer the economy you hammer small businesses. You wanna lift the economy then have the federal government lift their boots of the necks of small businesses.”
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| Ted Cruz speaks at the rally |
In his 15-minute speech, Cruz also touched upon issues like abortion, gun rights and immigration, saying, “The new politically correct term for illegal immigrant is undocumented democrat.”
He went on to bash Donald Trump, Mark Rubio, and Hilary Clinton for their ineffectiveness in dealing with these issues. Bernie Sanders’ name, however, was never mentioned.
Several prominent Texas politicians came to the rally to show support. Texas state Sen. Donna Campbell, governor Greg Abbot and former governor Rick Perry all shared stories and personal testaments to commend Cruz.
Perry praised Cruz as a family man and Christian in a powerful message that evoked the emotions of the crowd. He called out veterans and related his own experiences in Vietnam to the honor and prestige of the presidency.
Abbot recalled working with Cruz before becoming the governor and implored people to get out and vote.
“When I was the Attorney General, we fought back against the federal government to maintain our state’s rights,” said Abbot. “We need our citizens to enlist their friends and family to keep getting one more voter. If the great state of Texas can lift me up out of a hospital bed to the Governor’s Mansion, then they can lift Ted Cruz all the way to the White House!”
Ryan Pavlich, 22, a volunteer of the Cruz campaign, was extremely impressed by the turnout. “It’s amazing how everyone has rallied together. People are lining up outside the doors,” he said. “We’re asking everyone to call at least five friends and get them to the polls tomorrow.”
He went on to bash Donald Trump, Mark Rubio, and Hilary Clinton for their ineffectiveness in dealing with these issues. Bernie Sanders’ name, however, was never mentioned.
Several prominent Texas politicians came to the rally to show support. Texas state Sen. Donna Campbell, governor Greg Abbot and former governor Rick Perry all shared stories and personal testaments to commend Cruz.
Perry praised Cruz as a family man and Christian in a powerful message that evoked the emotions of the crowd. He called out veterans and related his own experiences in Vietnam to the honor and prestige of the presidency.
Abbot recalled working with Cruz before becoming the governor and implored people to get out and vote.
“When I was the Attorney General, we fought back against the federal government to maintain our state’s rights,” said Abbot. “We need our citizens to enlist their friends and family to keep getting one more voter. If the great state of Texas can lift me up out of a hospital bed to the Governor’s Mansion, then they can lift Ted Cruz all the way to the White House!”
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| From left to right: Cruz supporters Manny Menezes, Ryan Pavlich, and Ginger Simpson |
Cruz just finished a campaign stop in Houston this morning before coming to San Antonio, with Austin and Dallas left to go before the day ends.
“I don’t know how politicians have the energy; coffee isn’t strong enough. I hope it’s not that Red Bull stuff,” said Rosa Rodrigues, 51, of Cibolo, Texas.
After his speech in the Shrine Auditorium, Cruz shook hands and signed autographs amid cries of “God bless you, Ted!” But not for long. The campaign trail continues with two more stops along the Interstate 35.
“I don’t know how politicians have the energy; coffee isn’t strong enough. I hope it’s not that Red Bull stuff,” said Rosa Rodrigues, 51, of Cibolo, Texas.
After his speech in the Shrine Auditorium, Cruz shook hands and signed autographs amid cries of “God bless you, Ted!” But not for long. The campaign trail continues with two more stops along the Interstate 35.
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