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DeMint Endorses Ted Cruz in Texas Primary

Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz (R) completed the trifecta of conservative endorsements for his Senate campaign Tuesday by scoring support from Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).

“I am very proud to endorse Ted Cruz for the Senate seat in Texas,” DeMint said in a statement. “He’s the strongest conservative in the race and he’s earned the support of the grass roots in Texas. Ted Cruz has a deep appreciation for the U.S. Constitution and he’s someone conservatives can count on to fight for the principles of freedom that make America great.”

DeMint joins a chorus of conservatives supporting Cruz — including FreedomWorks and the Club for Growth — as he campaigns for retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s (R-Texas) seat. His endorsement comes as Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is expected to enter the Senate primary, with an aide telling a local paper he will be jumping in.

A Dewhurst candidacy would drastically affect the GOP field that also includes former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Texas Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones. Not only is Dewhurst well-known in the Lone Star State, but he also boasts personal wealth to boost his campaign.

“An establishment candidate with deep pockets will enter this race soon so it’s even more important now for freedom-loving Americans to unite behind Ted Cruz,” DeMint said. “He’s put together a very strong campaign but needs help from Texans and folks across the country to win.”

Cruz marks DeMint’s second endorsement in a Senate race this cycle. He announced his support for Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s (R) bid against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) last month. DeMint’s Senate Conservatives Fund played a major role in the 2010 primaries.

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