That’s why it takes money to get the machine rolling. If he went into this expecting some inexpensive leverage from a debate process, then he wasn’t planning well. Cruz went in early because he understood the benefit of doing so. To win, you have to be able to get votes. If you can’t get votes unless Fox gives you free advertising, you’re in the wrong line of work. No sympathy from me. I’ve seen, and worked with, good people who worked hard at getting on the ballot. The only thing I’d worry about with Cruz is what polling data do they use and how do they use it in setting the ranking of each candidate. Room for manipulation there. But in principle, how else can it be. Here in Illinois candidates have to get x number of valid ballot petition signatures, just to get on the ballot. There has to be some way of finding the people who are generating real interest. So while the system could be improved, the principle is valid. JMHO.
Peace,
SR
Fox says a combination of all polls from which to make their list.