Trump: “Based on Fraud Committed by Senator Ted Cruz,” Iowa Win Should Be “Nullified”

Donald Trump is calling for Sen. Ted Cruz’s Iowa caucus win to be nullified “based on fraud committed,” referring to a story that first broke on PPD Tuesday. As PPD previously reported, Cruz’s Iowa team members were falsely telling caucus-goers Dr. Ben Carson had suspended his campaign.

Following a thorough investigation, which included interviews with dozens of caucus-goers and captains, as well as reviewing the content and timeline of an internal campaign memo and social media activity, it would appear that the spreading of this false information was intentional and specifically targeted the supporters of Dr. Carson because the Cruz campaign previously identified them as voters highly likely to back Cruz as their second choice.

PPD reached out to Jeff Tyler, the communications director for Ted Cruz, but we did not receive a response to the allegations. On Tuesday night, Sen. Cruz apologized to Dr. Carson and sought to explain the campaign’s actions on “Hannity,” during which he said they should’ve forwarded a follow up.

“The problem with Sen. Cruz’s explanation is two-fold. First, it appears they started the false rumor. A small CNN blog blurb, fed by the Cruz campaign, isn’t the same as widespread confirmed reports,” said Richard Baris, PPD’s editor and senior political analyst. “Second, it is the location of the activity that is so suspicious. They had the data and targeted specific locations. If it was an honest mistake, the effort wouldn’t have been concentrated in specific caucus sites with higher numbers of Carson supporters.”

Trump previously commented on the report at a news conference before a campaign rally in Milford, New Hampshire on Tuesday. Trump also accused Cruz of insulting the people of Iowa when he sent out a voter violation mailer before the caucuses.

“What he did to Ben Carson was a disgrace,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question. “What he did to Ben Carson was terrible. When they said Ben Carson is out of the race and come vote for him, I thought it was terrible.”

When asked if he thought Cruz was running a dirty campaign, Trump responded that his rival “certainly was dirty.”

Nevertheless, Baris says there is zero chance Trump and his supporters will get what they are calling for, a redo or nullification. Further, the frontrunner has a large lead going into the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, and may be taking a big risk. But, then again, that isn’t always the consideration or the goal with Trump.

“The Donald can shout about fraud and makes his supporters happy,” Baris said. “They see him standing up against a perceived injustice and, frankly, expect it from him. Cruz loses some of the wind in his sails post-Iowa because, anytime you are apologizing for what was at least a dirty tactic, you’re losing. But Trump was a gracious loser Monday night. He runs the risk of looking not-so gracious taking this route.”

ORIGINAL STORY