Cruz says he welcomes 'establishment' backing Trump

Cruz's comments came the day after Sarah Palin, who is not considered part of the GOP establishment, endorsed Trump at an event in Iowa and and Republican Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said he hoped Cruz would be defeated there because of his opposition to a renewable fuel standard that benefits corn growers.

Cruz did not react specifically to Dole's criticism, but the junior senator from Texas has embraced his outsider status in the race as he builds his campaign around tea party conservatives, evangelical Christians and others angry over what he describes as business as usual by the "Washington cartel."

Voters feel betrayed by Republicans willing to cut deals with Democrats and President Obama, Cruz said.