Ted Cruz actually said...

"I think there are few areas that are more dangerous to have the government engaged in prior restraint or punishment after the fact for private citizens who would choose to speak out on politics."

"the threat of retribution for political speech... is not hypothetical."

"the examples you gave about the potential for partisan retribution are particularly chilling."

"Now, Commissioner Smith, would you agree that that is their First Amendment right to do so that should be entirely protected under the Bill of Rights?"