Cruz is in First Place

A lot of conservative wonks have cautioned me: Iowa doesn't matter.

Yes it does, although the history of Iowa for Republican Presidential contenders stands out for how many candidates end up packing up and dropping out rather than determining which candidates win.

Still, Ted Cruz could make history, as the first Republican contender who wins Iowa, and then wins the GOP nomination.

Some disconcerted Establishment elements believe that Cruz can only lock up the case, but has no crossover appeal. I have often found that personal integrity connects with others, even if they do not agree with every policy view.

Other bloggers fearfully contend that Cruz will decimate Republican chances at the national level because he is not just conservative, but confrontation. When it comes to national leadership and foreign policy chops, don't more Americans want a President who declares "If you join ISIS, you have signed your death warrant"?

Ted Cruz (Gage Skidmore)

I want leadership in the White House, and clear-cut principle once again.

A candidate who wants to make America great again, but who behaves in a great fashion, too.

So far, US Senator Ted Cruz meets the standard for a conservative Republican who can lead our nation.

He was not my first choice because he had no executive experience, compared to Wisconsin's Scott Walker and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Then again, the President serves as the Chief Executive and Diplomat for our nation, but also the chief Pursuader and Promoter.

He is a brilliant mind with uncanny tactical prowess. That works for me.

Ted Cruz is in first place in Iowa, and that means a lot to me.