The last 21 hours have been truly inspiring. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has been standing against not only the specifics of ObamaCare, but—almost more importantly—the Republican and Democratic establishment.

We know why the Democrats are supporting ObamaCare and opposing Sen. Cruz. But what are the Republicans afraid of? Why do they strike out against someone standing up for conservative principles? Why are Republicans, like U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, so willing to wave the white-flag and surrender to ObamaCare?

Maybe they aren’t willing to fight in DC because, ultimately, they don’t believe what they say when campaigning at home? Sure, sure, the GOPs surrender caucus points to the 40 votes they have taken in the past opposing ObamaCare. None of those votes mattered; most were designed not to matter. Indeed, many were toothless efforts giving paper lions a chance to roar.

I’m not sure if the appropriate emotional response is “disgust” or “outrage.” Maybe both.

I keep hearing political commentators talk about the “game” Ted Cruz was playing. This was no game. This is literally a fight for the future of our nation.

The only ones who think it otherwise are those who have decided that liberty doesn’t matter. The professional chattering class wants to talk tough on-air, but then go to the glitzy cocktail parties with their “opponents.” We can no longer afford to waste our time with those whose actions and words are separated by a wide ideological canyon.

There is only way to win: fight all-out to win.

More than 50 percent of Americans now oppose ObamaCare, putting the Democrats and the establishment Republicans on the wrong side of history.

But as we correctly focus on the dishonorable actions of Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate unwilling to press the point, let’s not forget the members of the Texas House who voted to shove ObamaCare down our throats from Austin.

During the budget fight, liberal Democrat Lon Burnam and liberal Republican John Zerwas conspired to push through an amendment that would have implemented ObamaCare in Texas through Medicaid expansion.

Here are the Republicans who voted to impose ObamaCare on the Lone Star State:
Jimmie Don Aycock (R-Killeen)
Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton)
Bill Callegari (R-Houston)
Byron Cook (R-Corsicana)
Drew Darby (R-San Angelo)
John Davis (R-Clear Lake)
J. M. Lozano (R-Kingsville)
Doug Miller (R-New Braunfels)
Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria)
John Raney (R-College Station)
Allan Ritter (R-Nederland)
J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville)
Wayne Smith (R-Baytown)
John Zerwas (R-Simonton)

My guess is that each one of these state legislators will tell you on the campaign trail at home that they don’t like ObamaCare. But don’t believe them; these are the Republicans who unapologetically voted to put Texas taxpayers on the hook with ObamaCare’s expanded Medicaid. (Read more about the sordid details in a piece Dustin Matocha recently penned.)

Ted Cruz shouldn’t be fighting this alone, and he isn’t. You and I stand with him, but that is not enough. We need more men and women in public office who will do likewise. Not just with their words, but their actions.

We have work to do!

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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