Yesterday, we talked about the disturbing revelation that - according to Chris Wallace - top GOP members were sending out anti-Ted Cruz research and questions. As Wallace said it was all designed to "hammer" Cruz over his desire to force the GOP to fight for the de-funding of Obamacare. While the usual suspects within the party may be out to destroy the new class of conservative Senators, at least one outsider has their back.
Sarah Palin spent the weekend offering her support for Senator Cruz's mission.
In her blistering Saturday afternoon op-ed, she bemoaned the "gutless and rudderless" political class in Washington and wrote:
"We’re now, once again, subjected to the “anonymous sources” backstabbing game. The Capitol Hill cowards are rushing to anonymously denounce Senator Cruz to any reporter with a pad and pen.
Welcome to our world, Ted. The same people have been denouncing conservatives like me for years (right after they ask for help fundraising for themselves or endorsing the latest candidate they’ve suckered into paying their exorbitant consulting fees). We can compare shiv marks next time we meet, my friend."
Sunday, she continued her assault via Twitter, when she called on Chris Wallace to release the names of GOP members who sent out the "unsolicited opposition research."
Those who would argue that the anonymous nature of the accusations have rendered this a "non-story" need to wake up. The attention generated by Wallace's single sentence is enormous. It suggests that the rift between the GOP old-guard and the party's future is - behind the scenes - growing wider every day.
If you follow politics, you've always known that the McCains, Grahams, Christies and Kings of the world are desperately frightened by the likes of Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Rand Paul. Now we're starting to see the emergence of concrete evidence which demonstrates their fear. Palin is right. It's time to start naming names and, if you're a politician looking to secure a place in the future of the Republican Party, you'd better demonstrate that you're on the right side of this battle.
....which is just what Mitch McConnell's people are trying to do.
According to a report at Breitbart, Jesse Benton - McConnell's campaign manager - has denied that anyone from McConnell's office or staff had anything to do with contacting Wallace.
“Of course not." Benton said in an email. "Senator Cruz is a friend and valued member of the Republican caucus.”
The fact that - in 24 hours - this story has grown to a point where top level GOPers running for re-election need to issue denials should tell you just how powerful Cruz has become. He, and Senators like him, are now firmly in control of the all-important Republican base.
