Texas Senator Ted Cruz announces U.S. presidential bidMarch 23, 2015 - 09:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a conservative firebrand who frequently clashes with leaders of his Republican Party, became the first major figure from either party to jump into the 2016 U.S. presidential election race when he announced his candidacy on Twitter, according to Reuters. "I'm running for President and I hope to earn your support!" Cruz said on his official Twitter page, an unusual forum for presidential candidates to announce such plans. The message was accompanied by a 30-second video in which Cruz said: "I believe in America and her people, and I believe we can stand up and restore our promise." American scenes from southwestern landscapes to the Golden Gate Bridge were also shown. "It's going to take a new generation of courageous conservatives to help make America great again," Cruz said, adding that he was ready "to lead the fight." Cruz, 44, has built a reputation as an unyielding advocate for conservative principles in his two years in the Senate. As a presidential candidate, he is likely to portray himself as the most reliable proponent of small government, Reuters notes. Cruz is a proven fundraiser, collecting $18 million for his Senate race and raising a further $2 million to distribute to other candidates, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. He will aim to raise between $40 million and $50 million over the course of the Republican primary campaign. Photo: maletphoto.com Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |