Texas senator reaches out to big banks, gun-makers pressured by Rahm Emanuel

Feeling bullied by Rahm Emanuel? Bring your business down to Texas.

That's the message Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is sending big banks and firearms companies, after the Chicago mayor urged those banks to stop lending to the gun manufacturers.

The freshman senator sent a letter Tuesday to the CEOs of Bank of America and TD Bank Group offering up the Lone Star State as a place where they could do business without hassle from the government. He said he understands that, since they do "considerable business" with Chicago, they might be worried about the "risks" of not complying with Emanuel's request.

"In light of the reception you have received in the Windy City, please know that Texas would certainly welcome more of your business and the jobs you create," Cruz wrote in his Jan. 29 letter. "Texans value jobs and value freedom, and over 1,000 people a day are moving to Texas (often from cities like Chicago), because Texas is where the jobs are."

He also sent letters to the CEO of Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. -- writing that "should Emanuel's bullying campaign prove successful, I am confident that there are numerous financial institutions in Texas that would be eager to earn your business."

Last week, Emanuel appealed to the banks to stop lending to the gun manufacturers because the companies oppose limitations on gun rights.

In his letter Tuesday, Cruz said those businesses should not be intimidated by Emanuel.

"We do not accept the notion that government officials should behave as bullies, trying to harass or pressure private companies into enlisting in a political lobbying campaign," Cruz said. "And we subscribe to the notion, quaint in some quarters, that private companies don't work for elected officials; elected officials work for private citizens."

Calls to Emanuel for comment have not been returned.