Supporters of Sen. Cruz flock to Ga. National Fairgrounds

People came from far and wide to hear Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz at the Cruz to Victory Rally Saturday at the Miller Murphy Howard Building on the Georgia National Fairgrounds.

Many were ardent Cruz supporters, others thinking about supporting the Texas senator, and still others were just curious.

Among that last group were Perry City Council member Randall Walker and wife Terre, chief financial officer at Uptown Perry Partnership Inc.

Both said they were interested in seeing what makes up a political rally.

“We haven’t made a decision yet, so we thought we’d come and see,” said Randall Walker.

“I’ve narrowed my field from 17 down to three,” said Terre Walker.

Terre was talking with Brandi Heath from Forsyth, who said the latest polls show Cruz running very close behind Donald Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

With Heath were her two daughters, Kaelen, 7, and Brynn, 3.

“We were talking about it on the way down, and I told them it would be awesome for them to see a president before he was president; that would be something they would take for the rest of their lives,” Heath said. “My husband went on a men’s retreat this weekend, and this is something we can tell him about.”

Mary Beth Milby, who lives near Cordele, said she came because of her conviction that Cruz speaks with integrity and has a proven record.

“He’s not alone, but he’s pretty much all alone,” Milby said. “I don’t know if he can win the nomination, but I’m not willing to send someone who is a lesser candidate up against Hillary.”

Another curious person attending was John Batchelor of Perry, who just wanted to see the candidate in person.

“I’m pretty much a Republican,” he said, adding that he heard about the rally through radio.

Bringing his whole family to the event was long-time Cruz supporter Jon McFarlin of Albany.

“I’ve supported Cruz all through the campaign, and I believe he is the correct choice,” said McFarlin, who added this was the first political rally he’s attended. “If we get this election wrong, we’re going to continue to move toward the dark ages.”

The Liberty University graduate and insurance adjuster said he was offended by Jerry Falwell Jr.’s endorsement of Trump.

“His dad, who was at Liberty University when I attended, would have been embarrassed by that action,” McFarlin said.

An out-of-state supporter was Leslee Kulba of Asheville, N.C.; a home healthcare worker who described herself as a Libertarian.

“I’m a big supporter of Cruz because of his sincerity,” Kulba said. “He is someone who stands for what he says.”

Though Trump still leads over Rubio and Cruz, Gene Tapley of Cochran said he felt the Texas senator may pull off an upset.

“I’m leaning toward supporting him because he is the only serious conservative running,” The Georgia Power retiree said. “I like his opposition to the Iran nuclear deal, his repealing of Obamacare, and because he honors the Constitution. I feel his chances are good, especially in Texas.”

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