The Iowa caucus has come and winners are counting their victory, while losers are counting their losses. Texas Senator, Ted Cruz, who was trailing Donald Trump in the polls prior to the caucus, dramatically shocked his arch rival, on Monday in a surprise victory over his Republican rivals.
Rubio manage himself to third place
Republicans in the state voted in favor of Ted Cruz ignoring the media-friendly outburst of controversial businessman, Trump, in favor of a purer strain of anti-establishment conservatism. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida had a strong night at the caucus, snapping closely at Trump’s heels and running a close third. With 99.9% of votes in, Cruz held a 27.7% to 24.3% lead over Trump, with Rubio at 23.1%.
Cruz attribute victory to courageous conservatives
In a victory speech in Des Moines, Cruz told a cheering crowd: “God bless the great state of Iowa … To God be the glory.” The Texas senator according to the Guardian, said his victory was a victory for the grassroots and “courageous conservatives” across the state and the country. “Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee and the next president of the United States will not be chosen by the media, will not be chosen by the Washington establishment, will not be chosen by the lobbyists, but will be chosen by the most incredible powerful force where all sovereignty resides in our nation: by we the people, the American people.” Cruz also said he had won the most votes ever cast for any Republican caucus winner in Iowa. “Tonight Iowa has proclaimed to the world: morning is coming,” he said. “Whatever Washington says, they cannot keep the people down.” The vote, he said, showed that his supporters were yearning to get back to free market and “Judeo-Christian values”.
Clinton and Sanders in a close call
Meanwhile, the Democratic camp has the former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton locked in a close tie with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders with more than 99% of the precincts counted. Senator Sanders is looking at closing the gap between him and the former First Lady.
