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Romney: Cruz is a ‘natural born citizen’

by Jesse Byrnes - 01/08/16 1:54 PM ET

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Friday defended Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) from those questioning the GOP candidate’s eligibility to be president.

Romney tweeted that Cruz “is a ‘natural born citizen.’ Obama too. Even George Romney,” he said, referencing his father who was born to American parents in Mexico and ran for president.

{mosads}”This isn’t the issue you’re looking for,” Romney added of the Cruz citizenship debate.

Romney has weighed in on other controversies during the 2016 GOP primary in his effort to help shape dialogue in the race and become a mentor in the party.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee slammed Donald Trump’s idea last month to ban Muslims from entering the United States amid fears of terrorism.

Debate over Cruz’s eligibility for the presidency was stoked early this week by Trump, who pointed to Cruz’s Canadian birth.

Cruz has argued that he is a “natural born citizen” under the Constitution and eligible for the White House given that he was born to U.S. citizen, his mother.

Still, he’s had to fend off questions this week, including from Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the 2008 GOP nominee, whom Cruz accused of trying to help rival Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.).

Tags 2016 GOP primary Mitt Romney Ted Cruz