Texas Senator Ted Cruz has always been solid on the issue of border security, but The New York Times says the Republican presidential hopeful has added some new lines to his stump speech that may be inspired by Donald Trump.

The Grey Lady noted the change at a speech Cruz gave in Franklin, TN earlier this week:

"You know, in 2013, the Obama administration released to the public 104,000 criminal illegal aliens," Mr. Cruz told the people gathered here in a converted factory turned concert space at midday on Monday. Among them, he said, were "murderers," "rapists" and "drunk drivers."

This was a new addition to Mr. Cruz’s stump speech.

Cruz, an early contender for the GOP nomination, currently sits in sixth spot well back of Trump who has stolen not only the media attention but one of Cruz's key issues. After the event a local reporter asked Cruz about what was dubbed, "The T-Word."

Mr. Cruz heaved a brief sigh, before saying, as he has often, that he appreciated the attention that Mr. Trump had brought to the race, including last week’s debate. But a sliver of frustration slipped out.

This election is not about “a soap opera of personalities,” Mr. Cruz said, his only complaint.

That may be the strongest criticism of Trump Cruz has made. While other candidates have attacked not only Trump but his supporters, Cruz has said to do that would be foolish.

"Donald Trump had a rally in Phoenix, Ariz. [to which] between 10 and 20 thousand people came out," Cruz explained. "When you attack and vilify the people at that rally as crazies, it does nothing to help Republicans win in 2016. I'd like every single person at that rally to show up and vote in 2016, knock on doors with energy and passion, and turn this country around. If Washington politicians show contempt and condescension to those [voters,] that is a path to losing at the ballot box."