Meet Ted Cruz

I had been hearing about this young handsome attorney in the Texas Attorney General's office for a while. He as been solicitor general for over five years. Last night I finally had the pleasure of listening to and meeting Ted Cruz, who is now running for Attorney General of Texas. I'm writing a profile on Mr. Cruz for Texas Magazine. I'll let you know when that issue will be coming out.

Ted Cruz spoke before the Texas Tea Party Republican Women's Association last night. Educated at Princeton and Harvard Law, he is serious and inspiring. He tells the story of his father escaping Cuba in the 50's. His father made it to Austin with $100 and couldn't speak a word of English.

His father is a testament to how the American Dream is within reach of those who desire it. His mother and father are both mathematicians.

At 38 Cruz has already written over 70 briefs, and presented eight oral arguments to the Supreme Court. He clerked for former Supreme Judge Rehnquist. He was a domestic-policy adviser on George W. Bush's 2000 campaign, going on to serve in senior positions as the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice.

Two things struck me. One is that he understands the importance of being a good communicator, and he is one. The other thing is that he seems to be the only Republican running for office I am aware of, that understands that the frustrations at the Tea Parties and townhalls are directed at Republicans as much as Democrats. As disappointed as we have been as Republicans in our leaders, Cruz brings the refreshing leadership that we have been looking for. He gets it.

Anyway, just wanted you to have a taste of what's you can read about later in Texas Magazine. Keep an eye on Ted Cruz.

Attorney General is just the beginning.