Ted Cruz picks up Bob Vander Plaats endorsement in Iowa

By Betsy Klein, CNN
Updated 2:10 PM EST, Thu December 10, 2015
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Story highlights

Bob Vander Plaats gave his long-anticipated endorsement Thursday to Sen. Ted Cruz

Vander Plaats endorsed Iowa winner Rick Santorum in the 2012 campaign

The Family Leader organization did not make an endorsement of its own

(CNN) —  

Evangelical leader and powerbroker Bob Vander Plaats gave Ted Cruz’s campaign a boost Thursday morning with an endorsement as the Texas Republican fights Donald Trump for the lead in Iowa.

“The extraordinary leader that we need for these extraordinary times is U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz,” Vander Plaats. the president and CEO of the conservative Family Leader organization, said at a press conference at the Iowa state Capitol.

Vander Plaats is seen as one of the most influential kingmakers in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. His close alignment with political networks and activist followings could help tip the scales in the Iowa caucuses. Vander Plaats endorsed Iowa caucus winner Rick Santorum in 2012.

The Family Leader did not have consensus to make an endorsement, but the board unanimously released Vander Plaats and his colleagues Robert Cramer, Bill Tvedt and Chuck Hurley, to endorse the senator independently.

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Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry embraces Madeline Martin, daughter of Eagle Forum President Ed Martin, before speaking at the Eagle Council XLIV in St. Louis on Friday, September 11. During his speech, Perry became the first major presidential candidate to drop out of the 2016 race.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry embraces Madeline Martin, daughter of Eagle Forum President Ed Martin, before speaking at the Eagle Council XLIV in St. Louis on Friday, September 11. During his speech, Perry became the first major presidential candidate to drop out of the 2016 race.
PHOTO: Sid Hastings/AP
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush shows off a Reagan-Bush
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush shows off a Reagan-Bush '84 T-shirt as he speaks during a Miami field office opening on Saturday, September 12.
PHOTO: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A man helps himself to a fried-chicken buffet near an anti-abortion display Saturday, September 19, at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
A man helps himself to a fried-chicken buffet near an anti-abortion display Saturday, September 19, at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's Fall Family Dinner in Des Moines.
PHOTO: Taylor Glascock for CNN
President Obama stands with Pope Francis during a ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, September 23. The Pope was making his first visit to the United States, spending time in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
President Obama stands with Pope Francis during a ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, September 23. The Pope was making his first visit to the United States, spending time in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
PHOTO: JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters/Landov
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, a Democrat from Philadelphia, sips water from the glass used by Pope Francis during the Pope
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, a Democrat from Philadelphia, sips water from the glass used by Pope Francis during the Pope's joint address to Congress on Thursday, September 24. Brady told the Philadelphia Daily News he poured the rest of the Pope's water into a bottle and would use it to bless his four grandchildren.
PHOTO: Courtesy Rep. Brady
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, second from right, visits a pregnancy center during a campaign stop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Thursday, September 24.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, second from right, visits a pregnancy center during a campaign stop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Thursday, September 24.
PHOTO: TRAVIS DOVE/The New York Times/Redux
Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, left, talks with NASCAR legend Richard Petty, center, and Petty
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, left, talks with NASCAR legend Richard Petty, center, and Petty's grandson Austin while touring a camp for disabled children Monday, September 28, in Randleman, North Carolina. Carson said NASCAR fans should be free to fly the Confederate flag as long as it's on private property. Richard Petty, who partly funds the Victory Junction camp Carson was visiting, called preoccupation with the flag "a passing fancy."
PHOTO: Chuck Burton/AP
President Obama shares a toast with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a luncheon in New York hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday, September 28. "Amid the inevitable trials and setbacks, may we never relax in our pursuit of progress and may we never abandon the pursuit of peace," Obama said before clinking glasses. "Cheers." The two, bitterly at odds over Ukraine and Syria, had a closed-door meeting later in the day.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
President Obama shares a toast with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a luncheon in New York hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday, September 28. "Amid the inevitable trials and setbacks, may we never relax in our pursuit of progress and may we never abandon the pursuit of peace," Obama said before clinking glasses. "Cheers." The two, bitterly at odds over Ukraine and Syria, had a closed-door meeting later in the day.
PHOTO: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A man carries out a chair reserved for a head of state during the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 29.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
A man carries out a chair reserved for a head of state during the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 29.
PHOTO: MIKE SEGAR/Reuters/Landov
U.S. Sen. John McCain gets on the U.S. Capitol
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
U.S. Sen. John McCain gets on the U.S. Capitol's subway system Wednesday, September 30, in Washington.
PHOTO: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Air Force One
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Air Force One's shadow is seen on clouds as it carries President Obama to Oregon on Friday, October 9.
PHOTO: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
One of the most memorable moments from this year
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
One of the most memorable moments from this year's Democratic debates came on Tuesday, October 13, when Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders shook hands following Sanders' take on the Clinton email scandal. "Let me say something that may not be great politics, but the secretary is right -- and that is that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about the damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails, let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America."
PHOTO: LUCY NICHOLSON/Reuters/Landov
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican running for President, tastes maple syrup offered to him at a general store in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, on Wednesday, October 14.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican running for President, tastes maple syrup offered to him at a general store in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, on Wednesday, October 14.
PHOTO: BRIAN SNYDER/Reuters/Landov
Vice President Joe Biden turns to his wife, Jill, after announcing Wednesday, October 21, that he would not be running for President. The announcement took place at the White House Rose Garden with President Obama.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Vice President Joe Biden turns to his wife, Jill, after announcing Wednesday, October 21, that he would not be running for President. The announcement took place at the White House Rose Garden with President Obama.
PHOTO: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson stand in front of his tour bus at a book signing in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, October 21.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson stand in front of his tour bus at a book signing in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, October 21.
PHOTO: MARK KAUZLARICH/Reuters/Landov
Hillary Clinton testifies before the House Benghazi Committee on Thursday, October 22. The former Secretary of State mounted a passionate defense of her response to the attack, which claimed the lives of four Americans in 2012. But she came under repeated criticism from Republicans who tried to prove she ignored pleas from U.S. diplomats for better security.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Hillary Clinton testifies before the House Benghazi Committee on Thursday, October 22. The former Secretary of State mounted a passionate defense of her response to the attack, which claimed the lives of four Americans in 2012. But she came under repeated criticism from Republicans who tried to prove she ignored pleas from U.S. diplomats for better security.
PHOTO: Melina Mara/The Washington Post/Getty Images
President Obama poses for a selfie with the U.S. women
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
President Obama poses for a selfie with the U.S. women's soccer team during its trip to the White House on Tuesday, October 27. The team won the Women's World Cup this summer.
PHOTO: KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters/Landov
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, right, argues with Jeb Bush during a Republican debate in Boulder, Colorado, on Wednesday, October 28. Bush went after Rubio for missing votes in the Senate while running for the White House. "Just resign and let someone else take the job," Bush said. Rubio fired back, saying Bush never took issue with Sen. John McCain missing votes when he was running for President. "The only reason you
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, right, argues with Jeb Bush during a Republican debate in Boulder, Colorado, on Wednesday, October 28. Bush went after Rubio for missing votes in the Senate while running for the White House. "Just resign and let someone else take the job," Bush said. Rubio fired back, saying Bush never took issue with Sen. John McCain missing votes when he was running for President. "The only reason you're doing it now is because we're running for the same position."
PHOTO: Mark J. Terrill/AP
First lady Michelle Obama and Britain
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
First lady Michelle Obama and Britain's Prince Harry watch a basketball game played by wounded service members and veterans Wednesday, October 28, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Prince Harry was on a one-day visit to the Washington area.
PHOTO: KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters/Landov
House Speaker John Boehner waves his trademark box of tissues as he addresses colleagues before stepping down on Thursday, October 29.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
House Speaker John Boehner waves his trademark box of tissues as he addresses colleagues before stepping down on Thursday, October 29.
PHOTO: JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters/Landov
A new sign at the U.S. Capitol reflects the election of House Speaker Paul Ryan on Friday, October 30. Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, was also Mitt Romney
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
A new sign at the U.S. Capitol reflects the election of House Speaker Paul Ryan on Friday, October 30. Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, was also Mitt Romney's running mate in the 2012 presidential election.
PHOTO: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, left, speaks with U.S. Rep. Steve King while hunting pheasant Sunday, November 1, in northwestern Iowa. A few other Republican candidates also took part in the fundraising event.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, left, speaks with U.S. Rep. Steve King while hunting pheasant Sunday, November 1, in northwestern Iowa. A few other Republican candidates also took part in the fundraising event.
PHOTO: MARK KAUZLARICH/Reuters/Landov
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush allows a supporter to loosen his tie during a campaign rally in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, November 2.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush allows a supporter to loosen his tie during a campaign rally in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, November 2.
PHOTO: Brian Blanco/Getty Images
House Speaker Paul Ryan speaks to the media in Washington after a meeting with the House Republican Conference on Tuesday, November 3.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
House Speaker Paul Ryan speaks to the media in Washington after a meeting with the House Republican Conference on Tuesday, November 3.
PHOTO: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/AP
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is flanked by impersonators Taran Killam, left, and Darrell Hammond during his "Saturday Night Live" monologue on November 7.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is flanked by impersonators Taran Killam, left, and Darrell Hammond during his "Saturday Night Live" monologue on November 7.
PHOTO: Dana Edelson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listens to President Obama during their meeting at the White House on Monday, November 9. It was their first meeting since the conclusion of the Iran nuclear deal, which dragged relations between their governments to their lowest point in decades.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listens to President Obama during their meeting at the White House on Monday, November 9. It was their first meeting since the conclusion of the Iran nuclear deal, which dragged relations between their governments to their lowest point in decades.
PHOTO: KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters/Landov
Trombonists lead the way as Senate contract cooks and cleaning workers march for higher wages near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, November 10.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Trombonists lead the way as Senate contract cooks and cleaning workers march for higher wages near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, November 10.
PHOTO: JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters/Landov
People pray for victims of the Paris terrorist attacks while attending the Sunshine Summit, an event in Orlando hosting Republican presidential candidates, on Saturday, November 14.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
People pray for victims of the Paris terrorist attacks while attending the Sunshine Summit, an event in Orlando hosting Republican presidential candidates, on Saturday, November 14.
PHOTO: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, greet supporters at a barbecue event in Ames, Iowa, on Sunday, November 15.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, greet supporters at a barbecue event in Ames, Iowa, on Sunday, November 15.
PHOTO: MARK KAUZLARICH/Reuters/Landov
A man chases away a small cat at the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey, on Sunday, November 15.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
A man chases away a small cat at the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey, on Sunday, November 15.
PHOTO: Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture-alliance/dpa/AP
First lady Michelle Obama dances to Gloria Estefan
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
First lady Michelle Obama dances to Gloria Estefan's "Conga" during an event at the White House on Monday, November 16. The "Broadway at the White House" event was for high school students involved in performing-arts programs.
PHOTO: Carolyn Kaster/AP
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, in the sunglasses, boards an elevator at the Capitol after signing a condolence book Tuesday, November 17, for victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, in the sunglasses, boards an elevator at the Capitol after signing a condolence book Tuesday, November 17, for victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.
PHOTO: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/AP
Workers stand on the scaffolding that surrounds the dome of the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday, November 17. The dome is being renovated.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Workers stand on the scaffolding that surrounds the dome of the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday, November 17. The dome is being renovated.
PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Schoolchildren in Modesto, California, cheer for their favorite turkey Thursday, November 19, as one of the birds is chosen to receive a Thanksgiving "pardon" from President Obama.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Schoolchildren in Modesto, California, cheer for their favorite turkey Thursday, November 19, as one of the birds is chosen to receive a Thanksgiving "pardon" from President Obama.
PHOTO: Scott Smith/AP
Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard leaves a courtroom in New York after being released from federal prison on Friday, November 20. Pollard is out on parole after serving 30 years behind bars.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard leaves a courtroom in New York after being released from federal prison on Friday, November 20. Pollard is out on parole after serving 30 years behind bars.
PHOTO: LUCAS JACKSON/Reuters/Landov
Supporters of presidential candidate Donald Trump boo the media after a heckler was removed during Trump
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Supporters of presidential candidate Donald Trump boo the media after a heckler was removed during Trump's speech in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, November 21.
PHOTO: Eric Schultz/AP
Someone tries to cover up the Bernie Sanders T-shirt on a woman taking a selfie with another Democratic presidential candidate, Martin O
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Someone tries to cover up the Bernie Sanders T-shirt on a woman taking a selfie with another Democratic presidential candidate, Martin O'Malley, on Saturday, November 21. O'Malley, a former governor of Maryland, was attending the annual Blue Jamboree event in North Charleston, South Carolina.
PHOTO: RANDALL HILL/Reuters/Landov
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders sits at an Atlanta cafe with rapper Killer Mike on Monday, November 23. The rapper introduced Sanders at a campaign event later in the evening.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders sits at an Atlanta cafe with rapper Killer Mike on Monday, November 23. The rapper introduced Sanders at a campaign event later in the evening.
PHOTO: David Goldman/AP
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls for peace Tuesday, November 24, after police released a graphic dashcam video showing an officer shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in October 2014. McDonald was a black teenager. The officer who shot him, Jason Van Dyke, is white. "I believe this is a moment that can build bridges of understanding rather than become a barrier of misunderstanding," Emanuel said. "I understand that the people will be upset and will want to protest when they see this video. We as a city must rise to this moment."
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls for peace Tuesday, November 24, after police released a graphic dashcam video showing an officer shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in October 2014. McDonald was a black teenager. The officer who shot him, Jason Van Dyke, is white. "I believe this is a moment that can build bridges of understanding rather than become a barrier of misunderstanding," Emanuel said. "I understand that the people will be upset and will want to protest when they see this video. We as a city must rise to this moment."
PHOTO: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
A man jumps a fence at the White House on Thursday, November 26. He was immediately apprehended and taken into custody, the Secret Service said.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
A man jumps a fence at the White House on Thursday, November 26. He was immediately apprehended and taken into custody, the Secret Service said.
PHOTO: Vanessa Pena/AP
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump signs a supporter
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump signs a supporter's chest during a campaign rally in Manassas, Virginia, on Wednesday, December 2.
PHOTO: Cliff Owen/AP
The American flag flies at half-staff above the White House on Thursday, December 3. President Obama signed a proclamation for all flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
The American flag flies at half-staff above the White House on Thursday, December 3. President Obama signed a proclamation for all flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California.
PHOTO: Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
U.S. Capitol police ask comedian Jon Stewart to leave the Senate subway area on Thursday, December 3, as he lobbies lawmakers to approve the extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Stewart has been urging U.S. lawmakers to renew the 2010 legislation, which provides health care benefits to first responders afflicted with illness as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is named for Zadroga, a New York City police officer who died of a respiratory disease in 2006 that was linked to his work at Ground Zero.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
U.S. Capitol police ask comedian Jon Stewart to leave the Senate subway area on Thursday, December 3, as he lobbies lawmakers to approve the extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Stewart has been urging U.S. lawmakers to renew the 2010 legislation, which provides health care benefits to first responders afflicted with illness as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is named for Zadroga, a New York City police officer who died of a respiratory disease in 2006 that was linked to his work at Ground Zero.
PHOTO: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/AP
President Obama hugs Santa Claus near Muppets character Miss Piggy during the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington on Thursday, December 3.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
President Obama hugs Santa Claus near Muppets character Miss Piggy during the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington on Thursday, December 3.
PHOTO: KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters/Landov

Vander Plaats evaluated candidates on character, competence, the company that they keep, and an infrastructure “that can go the distance and become the nominee.”

“We will be going all in for Sen. Ted Cruz,” Vander Plaats said. “We have found him as a man of deep character. A man that we can fully trust, who has a consistency of convictions, who loves his god, loves his spouse, and who loves his family. We also see him to be very, very competent. Not always popular, but very competent. He has challenged both sides of the aisle. He understands what it’s going to take to get the country out of the mess that we’re currently in. We believe that he is exceptionally competent and that adds to his extraordinary leadership.”

RELATED: How Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are trying to dominate Iowa

The endorsement comes as Cruz has surged in the polls. Trump has 33% support among likely Republican caucus-goers, with Cruz at 20%, according to Monday’s CNN/ORC poll. But a Monmouth University survey that relied only on registered voter rolls has Cruz with the lead: 24% to 19%.

Cruz has ramped up his organization in the Hawkeye State in recent weeks. He has visited Iowa six out of the last eight weekends, and he is more than halfway through an Iowa feat called the “Full Grassley,” an homage to the state’s senior senator which involves visits to all 99 counties in the state. In a recent visit, the campaign held 14 stops over three days.

And in Des Moines last Saturday, Cruz announced the “Cruz Crew Strike Force” and opening of “Camp Cruz,” rented apartments to lodge hundreds of volunteers from across the country coming to campaign for Cruz in Iowa.

Cruz has also locked up the endorsement of Rep. Steve King, another influential Iowan among social conservative voters.

RELATED: Ted Cruz defends ending bulk data collection

Christian conservative leaders have been split between Cruz and several other candidates including Ben Carson, who has not made much noise within the two Iowans’ circles despite leading the field in recent state polls. And in recent months, the Republican hopefuls have come in droves, meeting privately with the pair at Family Leader headquarters or in King’s congressional district – often multiple times.

Vander Plaats praised other candidates in the race. He said he met with Santorum and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to discuss his decision, and called Trump, whom he said was “disappointed” but has “brought a lot of value to the race.”

He said that while past caucus winners Huckabee and Santorum are “dear friends who we love deeply,” the race calls for new leadership.

“For whatever reason, the dynamics are such today that it seems like people are moving on, they’re looking, saying what is that fresh, what is that bold, what is that courageous leadership?”

It is Vander Plaats’ hope that his decision will encourage conservatives to coalesce.

“We have believed for a long time if we’re united, we will win, if we’re divided, we’re going to repeat 2008 and 2012,” he said. “We will be uniting, and we will be going all in for Sen. Ted Cruz.”