I met Senator Cruz for the third or fourth time two nights ago in La Porte, Indiana. It was both exhilarating and poignant for me, as I knew the polls were not looking good.

I shook Senator Cruz’s hand and touched his shoulder to wish him luck.

Now that Senator Cruz has stepped down from the race, I wish to thank him for the hope he has given me and millions of other freedom lovers all over this world.

I never thought I’d see a leader like Senator Cruz in my lifetime. A man of the deepest integrity, humility kindness, faith and courage. It was an honor for me to support Senator Cruz in any small way I could.

During the campaign, I got to meet Ted’s Dad Rafael on a few occasions and was extremely impressed by his courage and commitment to America and the Constitution. The apple did not fall far from the tree. I never met Heidi Cruz, but I saw her at several rallies. She was always impressive – whether tending to her lovely little girls, or wowing the crowd with her impassioned speaking.

You can judge a man by the company he keeps. The Cruz people were always great and the supporters around the country were amazing.

Right up front were stalwarts like Rep. Steve King, Greg Cummings and the super astute Steve Deace from Iowa. Terresa Monroe-Hamilton, Lloyd Marcus, Ben Shapiro, David Limbaugh Jenny Beth Martin, Ann-Marie Murrell, Dana Loesch, Benjamin Weingarten, Arlen Williams, Shona, Thomas, Jack and Danita, Mike Michaels, Manny Roman, Pastor Greg Young, John King from Florida, Bryan from Idaho, Bill and Regina from Colorado, our New Hampshire friends, Curtis Bowers and his amazing family, Renee Nal and Sparky & Angela from the TK Radio Network!

Many that I’ve never met I like to consider friends – Eric Erickson and the crew from Red State, Mark Levin, Michael Harrington, Torin Archbold, Mark Prasek, John Daniels of TavernKeepers and SooperMexican from the Right Scoop.

A huge shout-out too to Glenn Beck and his team. True American heroes all.

There are many more, but I’m dog-tired as I write this, so please forgive me if I forget you temporarily.

I cannot begin to imagine how Ted and his family must feel right now. I wish them all the sound sleep of the righteous.

Ted Cruz has made an impact that will be felt for centuries. He has flown the flag for liberty like no other political aspirant I’ve ever seen.

I don’t think this election cycle has delivered all its surprises yet. Whatever role you play in the liberty movement Senator Cruz, I offer you and your family my humblest thanks and very best wishes for the future.

The fight for freedom moves to its next phase.