Republican Iowa governor wants Ted Cruz defeated

[polychronopolous]

Altoona, Iowa (CNN)Iowa's Republican Gov. Terry Branstad called for Ted Cruz's defeat Tuesday, in a dramatic and highly public repudiation of the Texas senator just two weeks out from the Iowa caucuses.

Speaking to a small group of reporters at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Altoona, where several 2016 presidential candidates are slated to speak, Branstad labeled Cruz a "big oil" candidate whose victory would be "very damaging to our state."

"It would be a big mistake for Iowa to support him," Branstad said. "And I know he's ahead in the polls but the only poll that counts is the one they take on caucus night and I think that could change between now and then."

Asked by a reporter whether he wants to see Cruz defeated, Branstad answered: "Yes."

Branstad's attack on Cruz is an extraordinary intervention in the caucus campaign. The state's caucuses take place on February 1.

"I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that Ted Cruz is going to win this state," Branstad told CNN afterwards. "Because as Iowans learn about his anti-renewable fuel stand, and that it will cost us jobs, and will further reduce farm income, I think people will realize that it's not in our interest."

He added: "I don't think that Ted Cruz is the right one for Iowans to support in the caucus."

Cruz's stance on ethanol subsidies has emerged a significant vulnerability for the senator in Iowa, a state where farming and agriculture are hugely influential industries. His rivals -- particularly Donald Trump -- have been hitting Cruz hard for his opposition to ethanol subsidies, and voters here have expressed concerns about Cruz's rejection of ethanol subsidies.

Branstad's son, Eric, works with the group America's Renewable Future, which has targeted the Texas senator.

Speaking with CNN's Jake Tapper on "The Lead" last week, Branstad said Cruz has the best "ground game" in the Hawkeye State, but added that the Texas senator's stance on renewable fuels could "really hurt him here."

"He's opposed to the wind energy tax credit. He's opposed to ethanol and biodiesel. And we have tens of thousands of jobs and a lot of farm income dependent on that," Branstad said. "And I know there's a lot of people working in those ethanol refineries and farmers that are not going to vote for somebody that opposes something that's so important to our state's economy."

Cruz has been leading in some recent Iowa polls, and Trump is his closest competition, and the real-estate mogul quickly pounced on Branstad's statement Tuesday afternoon.

"Wow, the highly respected Governor of Iowa just stated that 'Ted Cruz must be defeated.' Big (shocker)! People do not like Ted," Trump tweeted.

[240 is Back]

Cruz's rejection of ethanol subsidies.

This.  Cruz thinks we should be more fiscally responsible at a nation.  IF the ethanol industry cannot stand on its own two feet, then these ethanol folks need to go back to school and find a new field.  THE MARKET says you let some industries DIE if they cannot survive without massive govt subsidies. 

Trump, the liberals, and big govt idiots believe it's the duty of the Govt to give away taxpayer dollars to keep unprofitable and unsustainable industries afloat.   

So this makes perfect sense.

[polychronopolous]

Cruz's rejection of ethanol subsidies.

This.  Cruz thinks we should be more fiscally responsible at a nation.  IF the ethanol industry cannot stand on its own two feet, then these ethanol folks need to go back to school and find a new field.  THE MARKET says you let some industries DIE if they cannot survive without massive govt subsidies. 

Trump, the liberals, and big govt idiots believe it's the duty of the Govt to give away taxpayer dollars to keep unprofitable and unsustainable industries afloat.   

So this makes perfect sense.

Ted Cruz is without a doubt a Man of the People and beloved by his Conservative base but wow...talk about a guy getting sniped by all angles when it concerns other politicians.

[240 is Back]

Ted Cruz is without a doubt a Man of the People and beloved by his Conservative base but wow...talk about a guy getting sniped by all angles when it concerns other politicians.

He wants to cut pork, cut spending.

let's face it - some people in the ethanol industry go broke if the govt stops its handouts.

we're borrowing trillions from china - for these handouts we cannot afford.

Cruz wants to stop them.  It's reasonable.

[JOHN MATRIX]

Ted Cruz is without a doubt a Man of the People and beloved by his Conservative base but wow...talk about a guy getting sniped by all angles when it concerns other politicians.

because the entire establishment knows he is the real deal and will expose/fight their gravy train.

he has the endorsement of Sen King as well as virtually every evangelical leader in Iowa so hes not doing too bad...what we are seeing now is the enemy wounded and cornered and lashing out for its life. Cruz's opponents are literally dragging out every possible little dirt they can find on him, no matter how ridiculous...there just isn't much there.

if Cruz can survive this and still win Iowa, it bodes extremely well for his campaign and is an ominous sign for his opponents. they wont have anything else to throw at him.