DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A prominent Iowa evangelical leader has endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) for president.
It’s a coup for the Texas senator, who has heavily courted churches and pastors in an effort to win the state’s leadoff caucuses.
Bob Vander Plaats announced his endorsement Thursday in Des Moines, calling Cruz a “serious leader for serious times.”
Vander Plaats stresses it is a personal endorsement, not one on behalf of The Family Leader, the influential group he leads. The group’s board has decided not to formally back a 2016 candidate.
Vander Plaats supported former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum in 2012 and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in 2008. Both won the caucuses, but neither went on to win the GOP nomination.
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