Cruz rallies supporters in Myrtle Beach

On the eve of the South Carolina Republican Primary, Texas Senator Ted Cruz delivered one last stump speech in Myrtle Beach at the Springmaid Resort Friday morning, after “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson warmed up the crowd.

Cruz told the roughly 200 folks in the crowd that the next presidential election carried high stakes because American freedoms are in jeopardy.

He compared the Palmetto State to the Longhorn State and said both possessed many of the same down-home values and patriotism.

“Ours are states that breed fighters and lovers of liberty and patriots,” Cruz said.

He touched on hot-button topics and critical concerns, such as gun ownership and immigration issues.

He also energized the crowd with talk of repealing Obamacare, passing a simple flat tax, strengthening and rebuilding military forces, defending religious rights, and stamping out ISIS, which is the “face of evil,” he said.

Cruz said the election is also important because the next president is likely to appoint several new Supreme Court justices – a fact underscored by the recent death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

He said it’s crucial that the right Republican take the helm.

“We are fighting for our basic freedom and our children,” he said as he urged attendees to vote and bring others with them to the polls Saturday.

Cruz won the Iowa primary, but came in third in New Hampshire.

Attendee Sharon Iszak said she was swayed by his speech and supports Cruz because he is the “conservative constitutionalist” the country needs.

“He’s a fighter and that’s what he need,” she said.

Cruz trails frontrunner Donald Trump in South Carolina, according to averages compiled by Real Clear Politics. Trump spoke at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center about noon Friday and has another appearance set for 3 p.m. Friday in Pawleys Island.

Marco Rubio was set to speak in Pawleys Island at 11:45 a.m. Friday, but had plane trouble in Columbia and couldn’t make it. He rescheduled to appear at 10 p.m. Friday in Pawleys. John Kasich is set to speak at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Cruz rallies supporters in Myrtle Beach."