GOP Strategist Matt Mackowiak Says Ted Cruz Is Putting Pressure On John Cornyn To Go Conservative [AUDIO]

On the Monday edition of The Chad Hasty Show, GOP strategist and co-founder on MustReadTexas.com Matt Mackowiak talked with Chad Hasty about the latest statewide and national issues.

There has been a lot of talk about Senator John Cornyn moving more towards the right, thanks to the influence of Senator Ted Cruz. Mackowaik says he believes Cornyn was always conservative, but kept is muted so he could obtain a leadership position .But whatever the case, Mackowiak says that Cruz is obviously putting some pressure on Cornyn.

"There's no question that Senator Ted Cruz is putting some pressure on [Cornyn] from the right. And that's a new phenomenon for Cornyn, given that on most issues, Hutchison was putting pressure on him from the left. And so, it is a little bit of a different situation for him, and I think you are seeing him go slightly more conservatively that he was last Congress."

Mackowiak also discussed the appointment of Chuck Hagel and why it was so worrisome. Mackowiak explained that while our presence in the Middle East is dwindling down, our defense budget is being cut, and having someone like Hagel who is "less than impressive" was troublesome. He added that Hagel could still face the threat of an anonymous hold or filibuster on his appointment, but both seemed to be very likely.

You can listen to Matt Mackowiak Mondays at 9:35 during The Chad Hasty Show on NewsTalk 790 KFYO. You can also follow him on Twitter: @MattMackowiak.