LYNCHBURG, Va. – Facing a rapt audience as he launched his long-expected bid for the presidency at Liberty University on Monday, U.S. Sen Ted Cruz delivered a rousing 30-minute speech in which he pledged to “reignite the promise of America.”

That he chose this bastion of Christian conservatism to launch his campaign and become the first candidate in what is expected to be a crowded field seeking the Republican nomination is not surprising.

The university, nestled in the Appalachian foothills of southern Virginia, has been a magnet for Republican aspirants in recent years. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a potential 2016 rival, spoke here in 2011 on his way to his first presidential bid. He was followed by former Minnesota U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and eventual 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney.

Each candidate has come with his own agenda.

Source: Kevin Diaz, www.chron.com