During the Republican primaries, Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) were the last two so-called “Conservatives” to fall to Donald Trump. For many, they represented the hope of having a true Conservative in the White House. But now, in the aftermath of Election 2016, it appears these two are just the latest examples of Washington-establishment politicians willing to compromise their principles for politics.

No wonder they’re both enshrined in the Gutless On Principles (GOP) Hall of Shame.

First, there’s Rubio. Although support for one of the original members of the Gang of Eight was tepid at first, Rubio appeared to have learned his lesson after wrongly supporting amnesty for illegal aliens. Even after he suspended his presidential campaign and began preparations for his Senatorial re-election campaign–a job he claimed he no longer wanted because he “hated” it–Cruz convinced Conservatives that Rubio had rediscovered his conservative heart. Unfortunately, his just-announced decision to support Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State–after indicating that he wouldn’t–proves that Rubio’s new Conservative demeanor was just an election year act. (emphasis mine)

Mr. Tillerson is likely to have a potentially unprecedented level of influence over the direction of our foreign policy. I remain concerned that in the years to come, our country will not give the defense of democracy and human rights the priority they deserve, and will pursue a foreign policy that too often sets aside our values and our historic alliances in pursuit of flawed geopolitical deals.

But in making my decision on his nomination, I must balance these concerns with his extensive experience and success in international commerce, and my belief that the president is entitled to significant deference when it comes to his choices for the cabinet. Given the uncertainty that exists both at home and abroad about the direction of our foreign policy, it would be against our national interests to have this confirmation unnecessarily delayed or embroiled in controversy. Therefore, despite my reservations, I will support Mr. Tillerson’s nomination in committee and in the full Senate.

However, upcoming appointments to critical posts in the Department of State are not entitled to and will not receive from me the same level of deference I have given this nomination.

Let me translate: Marco is using the word “concerned” to sound like he really cares. He’s using the word “deference” to hide his cowardess concerning his Constitutionally required duty to offer “advice and consent.” And he’s using “upcoming appointments” to take the heat off his lame excuse for supporting Tillerson while sounding like he really will look out for America.

By the way, the “deference” excuse was used by such stalwarts of the GOP as Lindsey Graham and Orrin Hatch when they voted in favor of Loretta Lynch, and you know how that turned out.

Then there’s Ted. Beginning with the decision to betray his base and abandon his principles by endorsing Trump in order to save his re-election in 2018, Cruz has been gaining momentum as he approaches his goal of complete capitulation to the establishment. For example: he was the Senator who vouched for Tillerson during his confirmation hearings with the Foreign Relations Committee.

In an article at Politico Magazine, we learn how Cruz has been building a new alliance with the GOP establishment he used to disdain while simultaneously warming up to the Trump agenda as he works to have it both ways concerning his Senate re-election and his future presidential ambitions. His Cruz 2.0 persona has become so popular that Mitch “crush the Conservatives” McConnell–the man Cruz once called a liar from the Senate floor–is applauding the Texas Senator as “The New Ted Cruz.”

We were told throughout the election that Trump’s non-Conservative agenda would be kept in-check by people like Cruz and Rubio. Looks like we were lied to again.

Originally posted at The Strident Conservative

David Leach is the owner of The Strident Conservative, your source for opinion that’s politically-incorrect and always “right.” His articles can also be found on RedState.com.

His daily radio commentary is nationally syndicated with Salem Radio Network and can be heard on stations across America.>Salem Radio Network and can be heard on stations across America.