Heidi Cruz Visits Effingham

(HEIDI CRUZ, WIFE OF PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL TED CRUZ, AND DAUGHTERS CAROLINE AND CATHERINE VISITED EFFINGHAM TUESDAY AFTERNOON)

Heidi Cruz and daughters Caroline and Catherine visited Effingham Tuesday afternoon on behalf of US Senator Ted Cruz, a leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination. Heidi Cruz made a stop at the Effingham Culver's Frozen Custard and Butterburgers for a brief rally after earlier visiting in the Metro East, one week ahead of the Illinois primary.

Cruz said their campaign is building a great deal of momentum, terming her husband the only committed conservative in the race. She called central and southern Illinois a place of "bedrock conservatism". Cruz won three primaries over the weekend and is awaiting results of Tuesday balloting in several other states.

Cruz said her husband's campaign has raised more than $70 million in contributions, mainly from online donations.

Caroline, who is seven, is a second grader, while Catherine, who is five, is in Pre-K classes.

After briefly speaking with reporters, Cruz went into Culver's to visit with a good-sized crowd awaiting a chance to meet the wife of a presidential candidate. Cruz was welcomed into the restaurant, and to Effingham, by Mayor Jeff Bloemker, before heading into the dining area to speak to the crowd.