(Image Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Sen. Ted Cruz' hometown newspaper, the Houston Chronicle, wishes it could take back its endorsement.

The Chronicle's editorial board, which endorsed Cruz, R-Texas, in his 2012 race, now says it misses his predecessor, former Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

"When we endorsed Ted Cruz in last November's general election, we did so with many reservations and at least one specific recommendation - that he follow Hutchison's example in his conduct as a senator," The Chronicle said. "Obviously, he has not done so.

"Cruz has been part of the problem in specific situations where Hutchison would have been part of the solution," the board added.

Cruz, 42, has encouraged his colleagues to resist funding the government unless President Obama's health care law is rolled back. As a result, he has been on the receiving end of the brunt of anger from his fellow Republicans, not to mention Democrats.

Although Americans say in public opinion polls that they are dissatisfied with the Republican Party's handling of the shutdown crisis, and predominantly blame the GOP over Democrats, Cruz has staked his political future on this fight.

The Houston Chronicle editorial board made clear today that it thinks he should emulate Hutchison's example and spend more time reaching across the aisle.

"We miss her extraordinary understanding of the importance of reaching across the aisle when necessary," the board wrote. "One reason we particularly believe that Hutchison would make a difference in these hectic days is that if she had kept her seat, Cruz would not be in the Senate."