Trump leads Republican field nationally by more than 20 points

A source close to the Bush campaign said they had lobbied hard for Haley’s support and hoped she would go with them, and the source acknowledged that this would make SC even more difficult for Bush to win.

Cruz, who won the Iowa caucuses, is looking to pick up momentum to challenge front-runner Donald Trump.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz answered a question on how he would increase the strength and number of military members in all branches of the service.

Trump has also charged that Cruz might be ineligible for the presidency because he was born in Canada.

Cruz, Rubio and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson were to appear at a CNN town hall in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday evening, with Trump on MSNBC about the same time.

Haley is expected to help portray Rubio’s continued viability as a candidate beyond the primary process and into the November election versus a likely showdown with Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The endorsement, arriving only days before the crucial SC primary on Saturday, “could have significant impact” in swaying undecided voters, said Jack Bass, professor emeritus at the College of Charleston and noted expert on SC politics and Southern history.

Cruz has determined that he would not back down in spite of Trump’s attacks. “We weren’t safe”, Trump said.

Rubio sees Haley’s endorsement as providing “a lift to come in second” in the Palmetto State’s primary, a source close to the campaign told CNN.

During his 20-minute speech, Bush did not mention Donald Trump for once, but he left no doubt that apart from giving a boost to his brother’s troubled campaign, his campaign debut was also meant to deliver a blow to the NY billionaire developer notorious for his blunt language and dismissal of ‘political correctness’. He shifted his defense to the next level during an afternoon news conference that highlighted Cruz’s extensive legal training.

Cruz still has plenty of room to grow.

McInturff added, “So, one poll post-Saturday debate can only reflect there may have been a “pause” as Republican voters take another look at Trump”. The remainder is leaning toward someone.

She said just Tuesday that, despite the “nonstop” phone calls seeking her backing, she was still trying to decide and may not endorse this cycle. Cruz was at 6 percent. About one-third say they would enthusiastically back Cruz (32%, down from 37% in January), and 31% say so about Rubio, about the same as in January. Trump was second with 21 percent.

Rubio, the Florida senator with Cuban roots, was asked if he would visit the island-nation as president – something Obama reportedly plans to do in March. “They love him”, Prater said.

The surveys were taken February 10-15, after New Hampshire.