Cruz slams ‘campaign conservatives’ ahead of debate

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said ahead of Wednesday’s GOP presidential debate that the event would separate authentic conservatives from the phony variety.

“There’s a real contrast up on that debate stage,” he told CNN outside the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.

“[It’s] between people who are campaign conservatives who talk a good game on the trail but haven’t walked the walk, and a consistent conservative,” Cruz said.

Cruz and 10 other Republican White House hopefuls are set to meet in their party’s second televised main stage debate on CNN Wednesday evening. He argued that his strategy this time out is little changed from his appearance in the first contest last month.

{mosads}“I think there may be a lot of fireworks tonight,” Cruz said.  “You may see a lot of candidates going after each other. I don’t intend to be one of them. My focus is very much the same as it was during the first debate — which is to continue my positive, conservative message.”

Cruz’s remarks come as he jockeys for space in the GOP’s crowded presidential field containing 15 other candidates.

He currently ranks fourth with 6.8 percent voter support, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of national samplings.

New York business mogul Donald Trump, meanwhile, hold a large lead for the nomination with 30.5 percent.

Cruz has struck a friendly tone with Trump on the 2016 campaign trail, fueling speculation he is interested in the outspoken billionaire’s supporters, should he drop out.

The pair’s mutual admiration resulted in them teaming up for a rally against President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran earlier this month in Washington, D.C.