The battle lines are beginning to harden in the maturing GOP presidential field now that Chris Christie is basking in his moment of supreme electability.

Rand Paul has been the most overtly confrontational, openly calling him a moderate.

Marco Rubio offered his congratulations but cautioned that the 2013 races shouldn’t be overanalyzed for lessons in future races.  ”Every race is different,” he said.

And then there’s Ted Cruz, who naturally saluted Christie’s brash nature, but then immediately pivoted back to hammering Obamacare.

Then, for once, he bit his tongue:

Asked whether Christie is a true conservative, Cruz walked away. Aides said he didn’t have time for more questions.

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