Sen. Ted Cruz Swings Through Boston For Presidential Campaign Fundraiser

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz brought what he calls his "optimistic conservative message of hope and encouragement" to Boston on Friday for a brief fundraising pit stop as part of a two-day swing through New Hampshire.

"I am so proud to be with a room full of Massachusetts conservatives. You are a hearty bunch," the Texas senator said to applause. "You are used to persevering and prospering in an environment that is not always welcoming to your principles."

Cruz, who cited the Gospel in his speech, was clearly preaching to those who share his conservative values — reminding the 60 supporters who showed up that Ronald Reagan won the Bay State's electoral votes twice in presidential campaigns.

"Let me tell you, Massachusetts is going to play an important part in the Republican primary this year," Cruz said. "Ten days after South Carolina, boom, is Super Tuesday."

Cruz said he's confident he will win not just the Republican nomination but also the presidency. He promised his Boston audience that on his first day in office he would rescind what he calls "every illegal, unconstitutional action taken by this president." He also said he'd "repeal every word of ObamaCare," abolish the Department of Education and the IRS, and shred the Iran nuclear deal.

Cruz used his hardline positions and uncompromising personality to distinguish himself from the crowded field of Republican candidates.

"And the biggest difference between me and the other very fine men and women standing on that debate stage, is that with me, when I tell you I'm going to do something, I'm going to do exactly what I said I would do," he said.

Cruz received several "amens" from the audience in response to his promise to put an end to abortions and federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

He was headed back to New Hamphshire Friday night, hitting the Granite State campaign trail to, as he put it, "pull the country back from the precipice."