Utah Rep. Mia Love (R) will vote for Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz in Tuesday’s primary caucus since Sen. Marco Rubio, whom she previously endorsed, has dropped out of the race for the nomination.
Love issued the following statement Tuesday morning:
America faces difficult challenges and pressing problems at home and abroad. There has never been a greater need for courage and courageous leaders.
For me courage is not playing to our fears, frustrations, angst and anger. Courageous leadership is never defined by insults, put-downs, or personal attacks. Courage is NOT found in sweeping generalities — posing as policy, nor is it seen in superficial hype or political spin. As Americans and as Republicans we must always expect more of our leaders — not less.
I have spent my first year in office fighting for limited government, returning power to the states and the people, making college accessible and affordable for all, standing for those who cannot stand for themselves and creating upward mobility and opportunity for every American. That is the Utah model and that is what the people of the 4th district deserve in their president.
I want a president who is interested in reducing the power of the presidency and the federal government — not expanding it. I want a president I know I can count on to sign into law the kinds of bills I have introduced related to higher education, eliminating massive bills filled with pork and perks for the well-connected, serving our veterans and creating jobs for hardworking Americans.
Because I believe we need a president with less bravado and more real courage to act on conservative principles, I will be casting my vote Tuesday for Ted Cruz. He has proven himself to be a principled, courageous leader with a positive agenda for our future.
The statement was posted to Twitter by PolitiChicks reporter Mona Salama.
Love did not specifically name Trump, but suggested an aversion to a certain sort of candidate. Her use of the phrase “playing to our fears, frustrations, angst and anger” looks to be a jab at Trump. References to “insults, put-downs, or personal attacks…sweeping generalities…superficial hype or political spin…less bravado” also seem aimed at the Republican frontrunner.
Love formerly supported Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). Cruz has continually welcomed the supporters of other candidates to join in supporting him, especially as their candidate(s) leave the race. He has specifically welcomed Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich supporters to join his campaign.
Cruz spokesperson Ron Nehring tweeted the announcement:
The announcement comes just days after 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, who lost against President Barack Obama’s re-election bid, announced that he would register a vote for Cruz in an effort to prevent frontrunner Donald Trump from securing the nomination.
Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana