How Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz Are Already Consolidating Their Wings of the GOP

National Journal ^ | November 1, 2015 | Scott Bland

[Isara]

The two senators are proving popular with other campaigns' donors, showing how they could eventually bring together Republicans currently dispersed across their wings of the party.

After well-received debate performances last week, it is starting to look more likely that Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio could be the candidates who go head-to-head for the Republican presidential nomination next spring. And already, we can see-based on where they get their money-how the senators could emerge as standard-bearers from different sides of the GOP.

Cruz and Rubio, who polls show to be two of the most broadly liked candidates among Republicans, are each the firm second choices of donors to nearly every other candidate in their respective wings of the Republican Party, according to a National Journal analysis of itemized donations to each GOP presidential campaign.

And while Republicans' money and votes are split among a wide range of candidates right now, Cruz and Rubio's popularity with other campaigns' supporters suggests that they are the most broadly acceptable candidates to supporters of those two "lanes" of the Republican Party-what the Los Angeles Times's Doyle McManus recently called the "mainstream" and "insurgent" wings of the GOP.

Both senators are well positioned to consolidate money and votes on their sides of the party as the field of candidates winnows this winter-if their campaigns continue to win plaudits, as they did in last week's CNBC debate.

For example, among Jeb Bush donors, Rubio has raised substantially more money than any other candidate (except Bush, of course). Rubio has also raised more than other candidates from donors to Carly Fiorina and Lindsey Graham-other campaigners in the "mainstream" lane.

To explore another example: Fiorina's campaign raised about $4.5 million in itemized donations (out of $8.5 million total) through the end of September, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Rubio's own donor rolls include over $484,000 in contributions from people who also gave to Fiorina; no other candidate got more than $364,000 from Fiorina donors.

Rubio is also in a dead heat with Bush for secondary support from John Kasich donors, too, with each raising about $110,000 from the donor pool that gave $4.4 million ($3.7 million of it itemized) to the Ohio governor.

Meanwhile, Cruz is the other candidate of choice among donors to a large group of candidates from the "insurgent" wing of the GOP. No candidate has raised more from Ben Carson donors (besides Ben Carson) than Cruz, who has raised at least $628,000 from Carson's pool of donors this year. And the same is true of donors to Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, Rand Paul, Rick Santorum, and Donald Trump, all of whom gave more money to Cruz than to any other candidate besides their own.

Donors to Rick Perry and Scott Walker, two candidates who dropped out of the presidential race over the summer, have also directed more money to Cruz than to any other candidate. While Rubio has dominated talk of who might take over Walker's financial network since he exited the presidential race in September, Cruz has already raised over $390,000 from Walker backers, though Rubio has also collected a not-insubstantial $220,000 from that group, too.

There was one outlier among major candidates: Chris Christie donors' second choice was Jeb Bush, by some margin. But even though Bush has raised more itemized campaign money than any other GOP candidate (though Cruz has raised slightly more money overall), he is not picking off other campaigns' donors at the rate that Cruz and Rubio are.

This analysis matched the first name, last name, and zip code of contributors across the campaigns' donor lists to find matches. Since financial reports don't have to include supporters who gave less than $200, this analysis necessarily excludes those small donors-who are proving to be an especially big source of income for Carson, Cruz, and others.

There is also danger in these overlaps for Rubio and Cruz: While they could consolidate support if other candidates in their lanes drop out, they are likewise at risk of bleeding their support to others in their lane if they don't catch fire. After last week's debate, though, the match may already be lit.

[Isara]

FYI

[Isara]

Presidential Candidates Comparison (Cruz vs. Rubio vs. Trump)

Please click on the pictures at the top of the columns for more details on the ratings of the candidates.

Budget, Spending & Debt
Civil Liberties
Education
Energy & Environment
Foreign Policy & Defense
Free Market
Health Care & Entitlements
Immigration
Moral Issues
Second Amendment
Taxes, Economy & Trade

More at Conservative Review: https://www.conservativereview.com/2016-presidential-candidates

Note: If you don't like the ratings for any reason, please contact Conservative Review's Editor-in-Chief, "The Great One," Mark Levin. But I have to warn you that you may get this response from him: "GET OFF THE PHONE, YOU BIG DOPE!"

[dforest]

Neither person is anywhere at the top. LOL This must be the new tactic.

[hotsteppa]

Its the new anybody but Trump tactic. Back to the donor class politicians. Will we ever learn.

[Soul of the South]

“But I have to warn you that you may get this response from him: “GET OFF THE PHONE, YOU BIG DOPE!”

Which is the reason I cannot give Levin any of my time. He is rude and uncivil to callers who disagree with him or who challenge him. If we are to bring civility back to our culture and political discourse he is not part of the solution.

Our founding fathers disagreed passionately on many issues. Their debates are spirited. However, the founders were generally civil and respectful in their discourse and they listened to opposing points of view. The intolerant behavior of Levin, as well as many he derides on the left, is not productive and reinforces the polarization we currently experience.

[dforest]

Probably not. This really is the last chance to demolish the GOPe.

[odawg]

Cruz and Rubio voted for TPA and the Corker bill. One ends our national sovereignty (TPP when it passes), the other threatens us with almost complete devastation.

Those are VOTES, not rhetoric.

I don’t care if 15 million groups try to evaluate, for me, who I should vote for. They can go to hell.

[HiTech RedNeck]

I think a more important matter is that it’s all devolved down to personal opinions when push comes to shove. In the prevailing culture of the Founders, one might call another a rascally scalawag, but it would always be while citing some externally referenced reason. If this is civility, it is the civility of attempting to make statements that make sense in the absolute, even if one fails. “Get off the phone you big dope” is a splendid example of judge and jury of one. By contrast, even the case for American independence was placed before a “candid world.”

[newfreep]

Trump’s mixed and bad grades are simply incorrect. Just more misinformation.

[HarleyLady27]

Wouldn’t surprise me....they both stand on the same issues...just sit back and watch...things are going to come out that will open your eyes even more!!!

[Isara]

Trump's Record on Free-market Issue: (from the Conservative Review)

Trump has a terrible record on free market issues. The only bright spot is the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing, but this glimmer is countermanded by his repeated support for bailing out Wall Street and the auto industry, and increased stimulus spending. Of particular concern is Trump's belief that the government can use eminent domain powers to seize private property in the name of private economic development. This comes as no surprise, given his support for using eminent domain to profit his own company.

Trump supported the Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of London, allowing public authorities to seize private land for economic development by private investors; Trump said, “I happen to agree with [the decision] 100 percent.” (National Review)  This is no surprise given Trump’s attempt to use eminent domain in his own line of work. (Institute for Justice)

Trump supported President Obama’s 2009 stimulus, saying: “The word stimulus is probably not used in its fullest…you know, certain of the things that were given weren't really stimulus. They were pork, as we call it, or they were gifts to certain people. But overall, I think he's [President Obama] doing very well. You do need stimulus and you do have to keep the banks alive.” (CNN) 

Trump supported TARP, saying, "You had to do something to shore up the banks, because ... you would have had a run on every bank." (CNN) 

Trump supported the 2008 auto bailout, saying, “I think the government should stand behind them 100 percent. You cannot lose the auto companies. They’re great. They make wonderful products.” He also said that the federal government could “easily save the companies.” (Daily Caller) 

Trump criticized the Federal Reserve’s intervention in the debt market, saying quantitative easing creates “phony numbers” that mislead the marketplace and “will not ultimately benefit the economy. The dollar will go down in value and inflation will start rearing its ugly head.” (CNBC) 

Donald Trump has a history of using eminent domain to complete business deals. Multiple times Trump has supported the use of government agencies to take possession of homes and businesses for use in his private business plans. Eminent domain seizures are reserved only for public use of property rather than abuse by the government taking property from one individual and giving to another. (Washington Post) 

Donald Trump has sought and received crony capitalist tax breaks for his commercial properties in New York. These tax breaks, and even an abatement, force the property taxes of other property owners to rise at the expense of the connected. Special treatment for one business or industry over another with the tax code conflicts with free market principles. (National Review) 

In 2009, Trump supported Barack Obama's call for limits on the pay of executives. (CNN)

[Isara]

Trump's record on civil-liberty issue: (from the Conservative Review)

"Trump has an inconsistent record when it comes to civil liberties. He supported the NSA mass surveillance program but did not weigh in on the recently passed reforms. Overall, he has avoided commenting on religious freedom, but says he would be an advocate for Christians. Trump supports an individual’s right to make unlimited campaign contributions, but advocates for an end to soft money in politics. Most concerning is Trump’s belief that the government can use eminent domain powers to seize private property for economic benefit for others."

Trump supports the NSA’s metadata collection program, saying, “I support legislation which allows the NSA to hold the bulk metadata. For oversight, I propose that a court, which is available any time on any day, is created to issue individual rulings on when this metadata can be accessed.” This position was identical to the NSA’s mass surveillance program before being reformed by the USA Freedom Act. (Newsweek) 

Trump has avoided commenting on religious freedom since Indiana passed its Religious Freedom and Restoration Act into law. Instead, he has said that he will be the “greatest representative of the Christians they've had in a long time” if elected president. (Christian Today) (Breitbart)  

Trump believes political soft money should be banned, while individuals should be allowed to make unlimited contributions. "If I were drawing a political cartoon to represent the situation, it would include a very large guy with a huge bag of money. On that bag would be written one word: soft. Soft money is the bane of the current system and we need to get rid of it." (The America We Deserve) 

Trump supported the Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of New London, giving public authorities the right to seize private land for economic development by private investors. Trump said, “I happen to agree with [the decision] 100 percent.” (National Review)

Trump highlighted his support for prosecuting "hate crimes" against homosexuals in his 2000 book, The America We Deserve. “Hate Crime” is a term used to extend special protections for a specific classes and in essence elevates the importance of these classes above others. For example, murder of homosexual or heterosexual should be viewed equally under the law and punished equally. Creating special classes is a liberal tactic used to divide and segment society.(Google Books)

Trump said that Kim Davis should not have been jailed for refusing to issue gay marriage licenses. He also said that she should allow her deputy clerks to do so, but also said that 30 miles away you can get a license so people should do that. He added, "The decision's been made, and that is the law of the land." (CNN)

Much like his stance on eminent domain, Donald Trump has shown a troubling tendency to want to use the power of government to stifle political speech. When the conservative Club for Growth released an advertisement regarding Trump's changing positions on taxation, Trump responded with a legal letter calling for them to cease and desist the advertisements. A chilling move towards the silencing of political speech. (Politico)

Donald Trump attacked SuperPACs (political action committees) in the third Republican debate. By suggesting they should be outlawed he came out against the First Amendment protection of speech, and echoed progressive talking points. (Time)

[Isara]

Trump's Record on Health Care and Entitlements: (from the Conservative Review)

Like any good republican, Trump claims to oppose Obamacare, even supporting conservatives’ attempt to defund Obamacare in the fall of 2013. Trump, however, is on record supporting “universal healthcare,” advocating for American adoption of the Canadian healthcare system. This places Trump’s policy inline with the most liberal members of the Democrat Party. Trump has also opposed free-market reforms to Medicare, arguing that growing the economy will solve the problem. To his credit, Trump supports privatizing parts of Social Security, but opposed the recent House GOP budgets citing entitlement reform as the reason for his opposition.

Trump opposes Obamacare, saying, "I will fight to end Obamacare and replace it with something that makes sense for people in business and not bankrupt the country." (USA Today)

Trump has advocated for universal healthcare in a system similar to Canada’s government-run healthcare system. “I’m a conservative on most issues but a liberal on health….We must take care of our own. We must have universal healthcare. Our objective [should be] to make reforms for the moment and, longer term, to find an equivalent of the single-payer plan that is affordable, well-administered, and provides freedom of choice.” (The America We Deserve)

Trump supports transitioning parts of Social Security to private accounts, saying, “Allow every American to dedicate some portion of their payroll taxes to a personal Social Security account that they could own and invest in stocks and bonds… Directing Social Security funds into personal accounts invested in real assets would swell national savings, pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into jobs and the economy. These investments would boost national investment, productivity, wages, and future economic growth.” (The America We Deserve)

Trump has opposed reforms to Social Security and Medicare, arguing that growing the economy will solve the entitlement program’s insolvency, but has not elaborated on his proposal. "I am going to save Social Security without any cuts. I know where to get the money from. Nobody else does." (Twitter)

Trump believes public assistance should be limited, and that religious institutions should carry the burden of caring for the poor and disadvantaged. (2012 Presidential Candidates)

Trump echoed Democrat talking points when referring to Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) budgets, arguing that they were too radical. “I’m concerned about doing anything that's going to tinker too much with Medicare. I protect the senior citizens. Senior citizens are protected. They are lifeblood, as far as I’m concerned. I think Paul Ryan is too far out front with the issue. He ought to sit back and relax.” (Today)

Trump opposes reforming Medicare by transitioning to a voucher program, but he has failed to articulate how he would fix the unfunded program. “I don’t think the Republicans should be out on this ledge….I’m studying that situation very closely, and if and when I decide to run ... I’ll have a plan. The seniors have to be cherished. They have to be taken care of.” (Christian Science Monitor)

Trump supported the conservative effort to defund Obamacare, tweeting at Republican lawmakers that “Congress must defund ObamaCare. It is destroying Medicare and breaking promises to our Seniors, including veterans” (Twitter), and “NO GAMES! HOUSE @GOP MUST DEFUND OBAMACARE! IF THEY DON’T, THEN THEY OWN IT!” (Twitter)

In what sounded all too similar to Obamacare, Trump told 60 Minutes that he would replace Obamacare with a plan that "covers all Americans." That the vast majority of Americans would buy their insurance on an open market, and that the government would pay for those that couldn't afford it. (CBS News)

Trump backed off his call for raising the Social Security retirement age to 70. He told 60 minutes that he would instead save Social Security by having "other countries pay for it." (CBS News)

[Blackirish]

It’s going to be Rubio or Cruz. Probably Rubio /Fiorona ticket. I’m fine with that.

[brothers4thID]

You need to check your facts. Cruz voted no on TPA and he’s been a leading opponent of the Iran deal.

[dforest]

I would stay home.

[Don Corleone]

There are presently more “Wings” to the GOP than a Col. Sanders chicken. JMHO!

[Soul of the South]

““Get off the phone you big dope” is a splendid example of judge and jury of one.”

It is also an narcissistic expression of tyranny. Levin, like other talk show hosts, has absolute power during his show given his ability to cut off any caller. He is engaging in ego gratification when he boorishly dismisses guests in a display of raw power instead of respectfully showing them the door like most other talk show hosts. This uncivilized behavior will never educate or persuade those he presumes to be educating.

[InterceptPoint]

I don’t care if 15 million groups try to evaluate, for me, who I should vote for. They can go to hell.
++++
You should provide us with a certified list of politicians with perfect voting records. Perfect for you, perfect for me and perfect for the rest of the Freepers.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I’m screaming. Its like Trump the long term and current front runner either does not exist or will be gone via alien abduction any moment now. Too funny. :-)