Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh said he wanted to make it “very clear” to supporters of Ted Cruz that “the establishment powers” will likely move to deny the Texas senator the nomination if he falls short of the 1,237 delegates.
“I want to make it very clear to everybody, for those of you on the Cruz side, when you see the establishment gearing up to deny Trump, keep in mind, they’re trying to deny Cruz, too,” the radio personality said, according to a transcript posted online.
Radio talk show host and conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh speaks at "An Evenining With Rush Limbaugh" event May 3, 2007 in Novi, Michigan. The event was sponsored by WJR radio station as part of their 85th birthday celebration festivities. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Radio talk show host and conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh speaks at “An Evenining With Rush Limbaugh” event May 3, 2007 in Novi, Michigan. The event was sponsored by WJR radio station as part of their 85th birthday celebration festivities. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
“In point of fact, they already think Cruz has been eliminated as a problem, because he can’t get to 1,237, and 1,237 is the number,” he added. “If nobody gets there, don’t forget, they are disqualified, as far as the establishment powers running the convention think.”
The conservative talk show host said he believed Ohio Gov. John Kasich was only remaining in the race to make it impossible for Cruz or Donald Trump to get the necessary delegates to outright secure the nomination.
“Another thing for you Cruzers to keep in mind. Kasich is in as a spoiler, and his primary target is Cruz,” he said.
Limbaugh’s comments came one day after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said he felt an open convention would “very likely” produce a nominee not currently running. That thought was echoed by Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) who suggested House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) could emerge as a “figure of destiny” in Cleveland.