As reported by Conservative Review, [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ] sweeps Iowa Endorsements:

The ultimate Republican king-maker in Iowa has endorsed [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ] today.

Bob Vander Plaats, 52, is the president of the Family Leader, a social conservative organization that carries weight with Iowa grassroots activists. The Vander Plaats endorsement has historically been a major boon in the first-in-the-nation caucuses.

In 2008 Vander Plaats endorsed Mike Huckabee, who was 1% in the polls. Huckabee went on to win Iowa.

In 2012, Vander Plaats endorsed and put his network behind Rick Santorum, who was 3% in the polls. Santorum went on to win Iowa just one month later.

[mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ] has met that criteria. With the combined endorsements of Bob Vander Plaats, Congressman [mc_name name=’Rep. Steve King (R-IA)’ chamber=’house’ mcid=’K000362′ ], and Conservative Review contributor and talk show host Steve Deace, Cruz has consolidated the support of the conservative grassroots leaders in Iowa. –

See more at: https://www.conservativereview.com/commentary/2015/12/ted-cruz-wins-vanderplaats-endorsment#sthash.jeDimR9y.dpuf

Here is part of Vander Plaats’s statement endorsing Cruz:

Here in Iowa, we take the political process very seriously. In particular, we understand the great responsibility and the heavy burden associated with going first in the presidential nominating process.

When picking a candidate for president, I have long stated that I’m looking for someone who has the character to withstand the attacks that inevitably come during a campaign, has proven himself competent, surrounds himself with the company of trustworthy advisors, and who has demonstrated the ability to raise enough campaign cash to go the distance. Many of the candidates running met several of these criteria, but only one brings all four to the table. That man is [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ].

[mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ] has proven to be a man of character who is trustworthy in all areas. He is a dedicated husband and father, and a proven public servant. Not only that, he is the son of a godly man that many of us here in Iowa have grown to love and respect in his own right. [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ] has repeatedly stood in the gap on principle when political expediency would have caused a lesser man to compromise and capitulate. I believe this is exactly the sort of consistent conservative we will need to lead us when President Obama leaves office.

I am calling on conservatives from every corner of the state to join me and support [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ]. If we coalesce and work together, we have a very real opportunity to elevate someone who not only shares our values, but who has a proven track record of actually doing what he says he will do. I trust [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ]. I am asking the people of Iowa to join me on February 1st as we go to Caucus and cast our votes for the next President of the United States, [mc_name name=’Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’ chamber=’senate’ mcid=’C001098′ ].