Donald Trump signaled he isn’t sure Ted Cruz is eligible to be president — and Ann Coulter asserted that the question is “not open and shut.”

Their twin musings can be chalked up as part of the more extreme, firebrand element of the GOP, but when Cruz’ liberty-crusading pal Rand Paul was given his own opportunity to validate the Texan’s qualifications, even he took a pass.

This all hints that Cruz’ birther issue could become a real thing if he chooses to pursue the presidency in 2016.

Not that I didn’t warn about this — now more than eight months ago.  (For the record, I found that most constitutional experts found him to be eligible, because he was born to an American-born mother in Canada.)

But there’s certainly enough gray area to kick up dirt.

It’s to be expected that Cruz’ opponents would have some fun poking at the fact the Texan was born over the northern border.

But Paul taking a pass on the question is notable — because it allows it to fester further.

He could’ve, after all, said he takes Cruz at his word, but in speaking on CNN Tuesday night, Rand provided no cover.

“You won’t find me questioning his eligibility. I decided a long time ago I wasn’t going to be a birther for Democrats. I’m not a birther for Republicans,” he said. “I’m staying out of that. Yeah, I’m just staying out of that one.”

 

Follow Dave’s blog at TheRun2016.com