Here's why Ted Cruz isn't in Washington today

While the Senate remained open for business on Friday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was back in his home state of Texas to attend to a vital civic function: jury duty.

"Reporting for jury duty in Houston: Ted Cruz," tweeted Amanda Carpenter, his communications director.

True! RT @teddyschleifer: Reporting for jury duty in Houston: Ted Cruz. pic.twitter.com/fNHHqxdBay

— Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) January 9, 2015

Carpenter also showed Cruz going through a security station, a tweet that led to extensive commentary on Cruz's decision to wear white socks.

Yup RT @Gail_HPM: Cruz goes through security like everyone else for jury service in Harris County, Texas @HPMNews887 pic.twitter.com/pUzf4o5OgH

— Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) January 9, 2015

Carpenter later tweeted that she was told by a Texan that when you wear boots, "you can wear whatever socks you like.

People serving with Cruz tweeted that they got to meet with the senator, who is also a potential presidential candidate in 2016:

Wow! @SenTedCruz has jury duty with me today. This is so awesome

— PUT (@putnammm)

January 9, 2015

I am so excited!!! Thanks for taking a pic @SenTedCruz pic.twitter.com/LsTgsie5b2

— PUT (@putnammm) January 9, 2015

First jury duty, and I get to meet Senator Ted Cruz #TedCruz pic.twitter.com/fyHi5SL1Zz

— Nazanin Hebel (@nhebel) January 9, 2015