Ted Cruz's presidential campaign is asking supporters to become a "deputy delegate" — for a $35 contribution — to the Republican National Convention in July to "support my candidacy and our drive to secure the 1,237 official delegates needed to win."
"Our campaign is working overtime to secure enough delegates to ensure we win the nomination," the Texas senator said in a solicitation emailed to supporters on Monday. "While the exact delegate count between the candidates is in constant flux, our wins in Wisconsin and Colorado last week have put us on a path to victory before the convention.
"And while not everyone can be an official convention delegate, I'm asking you to join my online team by becoming a deputy delegate today," Cruz said.
The solicitation is paid for by
Ted Cruz for President.
The email asks for at least $35 — and contributors "have to act in the next 48 hours" — adding that the support "will give you behind-the-scenes access and information on campaign delegate strategy.
"It is because of your prayers and support that we have risen above the attacks and slander from Donald Trump, and we are now on our way to securing the Republican nomination," Cruz said.
The email includes a
"preview" of what the card would look like and discusses the benefits of being a "card-carrying deputy delegate."
Contributions range from $25 to $5,400 with a checked box that says "this is a monthly contribution."
"You will be a champion for our campaign no matter where you go," the email said. "Your personalized card will symbolize your support of our shared conservative values and vision for the future of America.
"You will be among the first to know about important developments relating to the campaign and will be invited to participate in upcoming strategy calls."
But being a deputy delegate requires "responsibility," Cruz cautioned.
"These next few weeks will not be easy. Donald Trump is going to be fighting with everything he has to defeat us, and we've all seen he will say or do anything he can to win," the email said. "As a deputy delegate, I am going to lean heavily on you to support our campaign in your local neighborhood and community as well as online.
"Our campaign is where we are today because of loyal supporters like yourself," Cruz added. "If it weren't for your commitment to our nation's future and your trust in me to lead our country, I wouldn't be sending you this email right now."
The email ends with two messages:
"P.S. I am only emailing a small, select group of my closest supporters with this opportunity today, and I would really love to have you stand up with our campaign and confirm your status as a deputy delegate.
"P.P.S. I've asked my campaign manager to send me updates throughout the day with a list of those who agree to this task, and I really hope I'll see your name on it."