Ted Cruz on Tuesday tied attacks by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to the Texas senator’s fierce rival, Donald Trump, saying Branstad’s position on ethanol was part of anti-capitalist corruption that is shared by Trump as well.
“We will see like ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ the establishment will strike back because they don’t want an end to the cronyism,” Cruz told reporters here. “Iowa corn farmers are wonderful Americans, but American corn farmers are not career politicians.”
Branstad on Tuesday said that Iowans should vote against Cruz, whom he called a “big oil” candidate based on his opposition to ethanol mandates that are backed by him and Trump.
“If you’re looking for someone who’s a deal-maker, to capitulate even more to the Democrats, who will give into Chuck Schumer and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, perhaps Donald Trump is your man,” Cruz said.
Cruz also brushed off the news that Sarah Palin would soon endorse Trump instead of Cruz, a blow to his momentum in Iowa.
“Regardless of what Sarah decides to do in 2016, I will always remain a big, big fan,” he said.