- RAWSTORY.COM - Raw Story - 19/06/2024 00:06

Ted Cruz's secret playbook found in Senate refectory — and posted online

A playbook belonging to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz — which appears to show how he aims to raise cash to get him reelected for another term in office — was found in the Senate refectory and scooped up by a reporter who posted it online.Pablo Manríquez, co-publisher of "Capitol Press" and who describes himself on X as a "hill reporter and oil painter," landed on the tranche of briefing papers that contain innocuous information about the weather in New York this week, but also phone numbers and addresses of such notables such as billionaire Ron Lauder and Wall Street scion John Loeb."Someone, presumably a staffer, left a folder full of briefing documents on TED CRUZ donors in the Senate Refectory," Manríquez wrote on X. He then posted a thread of some of the senator's detailed itinerary and talking points to schmooze would-be deep-pocketed donors. The thread containing photos of the documents has since been taken down, as the site said they violated X rules.ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans subpoena ex-Capitol Police intel head for Jan. 6 inquiryCruz, 53, is being challenged by 40-year-old Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), who served three terms in office and, before becoming a civil rights attorney, played four seasons in the NFL.The documents offer a glimpse into the methods and tidbits that Cruz is prompted to bring up, as well as specific dollar amounts he should seek from each person. The document also coaches him on what to say during the meetups. Raw Story reached out to Cruz's reps Tuesday night and didn't receive a response as of publishing.The documents outline a busy week for the Texas senator.In D.C., the documents show Cruz is to appear at a Capitol Grille dinner, and will hope to compel eight donors who've pledged $19,500. So far, they've paid nothing. On Wednesday, Cruz will head up to New York City to lunch with Lauder at the posh eatery Cipriani. He's then expected to meet with Loeb at the Knickerbocker Club.Afterward, Cruz's plans call for heading to billionaire Mike Novogratz's home, the address of which appears unredacted. When Manríquez was challenged about posting all the documents on his feed would effectively force Cruz's camp to alter their schedule, he seemed unbothered."Not sure why this was revealed here but if the intent was to confront Cruz [sic], you've [sic] just ensured they change literally every time and location," writes @JefeJengibre. Manríquez wrote back: "Then he should give me an exclusive on all his donor relations, as a thank you."Cruz is hunting for financial support in New York City, where he once slammed for its questionable "values."Cruz said, "there are many, many wonderful, wonderful working men and women in the state of New York, but everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro- gay-marriage, [and] focus around money and the media.”The dig prompted outcry throughout the city and a rare pledge of support for then-candidate Donald Trump.