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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |