But the rest of Texas is not so impressed. In fact, they are embarrassed by the antics of Ted Cruz. Note that half of Texans think Cruz has hurt the state's reputation, including 58% of Independents (and nearly a quarter of Republicans). Also, pluralities of all Texans and Independents say they would be less likely to vote for Cruz because of his orchestration of the government shutdown.
And while Texas Republicans are split over whether Cruz should run for president (with 43% saying yes and 42% saying no), all Texas voters say no by a 30 point margin (59% to 29%) and Independents say no by a 21 point margin (54% to 33%).
Teabaggers may be proud of Cruz, but the rest of Texas is not -- they are embarrassed. And with a little luck, he may be damaging not only himself but the Republican Party.