After a brutal, months-long fight with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s campaign is in the middle of a “death without dignity,” and the end is just days away.
That’s according to USA Today reporter Jill Lawrence, who noted that Rubio was among the Republican Party’s biggest stars when he burst onto the national stage in 2010, and had the blessing of the establishment after fellow Florida politician Jeb Bush dropped out of the 2016 race. Now, he is facing down a home-state showing on Tuesday that could end his 2016 presidential campaign once and for all.
It remains unclear who Rubio would support should he suspend his campaign this week, but political analysts believe it would be either Texas Sen. Ted Cruz or Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
The Cuban-American’s desire to become the nation’s first Hispanic president, and his past support for a forgiving immigration policy, have failed to excite conservative primary voters who instead have flocked to Trump and Cruz.
“Marco’s always had good timing. This time, the timing just wasn’t there,” said Albert Lorenzo, who managed Rubio’s first state house campaign nearly two decades ago and stays in close contact with him.
Yet Lorenzo, like those closest to Rubio, suggest that should his bid end in disappointment, the senator’s career in public service is far from over. The 44-year-old Republican could run for Florida governor in two years, president in four years or even his own Senate seat later this year.
“He’s a talent you don’t find,” Lorenzo said.
Added Rubio ally, Miami city commissioner Francis Suarez: “I can’t think of anybody more popular in Florida than he is — except maybe the man he’s losing to.”
Indeed, the first-term senator has been looking up at Trump in Florida preference polls for months. Rubio is the decided underdog to the billionaire businessman in Tuesday’s do-or-die home-state contest.
Despite long odds, Rubio insists he’s focused only on winning his party’s 2016 presidential nomination.
“I haven’t even thought about what I’m having for lunch today, much less what I’m going to run for in two years or nothing at all,” he told reporters in West Palm Beach this week.
“If I never hold public office again, I’m comfortable with that,” Rubio continued. “I can’t tell you what’s going to happen two to four years from now. But I have no plans. No thoughts. No contemplation. No meetings. Nothing about any future political run of any sort.”
Should his presidential bid end in disappointment, many who know him expect a political comeback, though those closest to Rubio believe he could turn to the private sector to help provide for his family.
With four school-age children, Rubio has struggled with his personal finances in recent years, cashing out a retirement account as recently as 2014 to upgrade home appliances and pay for school costs. The Republican would have such well-compensated options as becoming a media personality or joining a law firm.
He would also need to decide whether he wants to return to Capitol Hill.
Rubio has previously said he would not run for president and the Senate at the same time. An exit from the White House contest next week would give him plenty of time to qualify for another, albeit unlikely, Senate run.
The deadline to file the necessary paperwork isn’t until late June. And Federal Election Commission rules allow him to transfer any unused money from his presidential campaign to a Senate campaign account, albeit with caveats about individual donor limits.
Rubio would also be a prime candidate to run for the open governor’s seat being vacated by the term-limited Gov. Rick Scott in 2018. Such a move would give the senator’s political standing at least a year to recover after a brutal 2016 campaign.
Some conservatives suggest that may not be enough time to resurrect his political brand, should Rubio suffer an embarrassing loss on Tuesday.
“I think a loss in Florida is very bad for Rubio’s political future. It is hard to argue that Rubio is the right guy to run for governor of Florida if he couldn’t win a presidential primary there,” said Mark Meckler, a longtime leader in the national tea party movement. “Luckily, he’s a bright man, a seemingly nice guy, and probably has a solid future in the private sector. And perhaps after a few years out, he can come back and run again.”
Rubio could, of course, make another run for the White House in 2020 or beyond if he fails this year. The vast majority of recent Republican presidential nominees have not captured the nomination in their first attempts.
Rubio, who turns 45 years old in May, is the youngest of the remaining four 2016 contenders. His supporters note that Ronald Reagan was 69 when he assumed office.
“People are still getting to know Marco,” said Luis Rodriguez, a longtime Rubio supporter and former vice chairman of the Dade County Republican Party. “He has 20 more years he can run for president. If not now, in 5, 10 or 20 years he’ll be there.”
After a nasty 2016 campaign, however, it’s unclear if Rubio wants to be there.
“Life,” he said Saturday on Fox News, “is about a lot more than politics.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article
He acts like a 7th grader.
I couldn’t agree you more. He is just too arrogant!
I’m from Florida. Catch little Marco if you can…………….the guy never works. He’s always campaigning for his next political job. I can’t stand him. Most Floridians can’t. Goodbye Marco. And good riddance.
I was from Florida and even voted for this Putz! The Rube Rubio betrayed his TP support that put him into office over Charlie “the tuna” Crist. But he will Not Go Away. He is angling for a VP at a brokered convention on a Romney ticket. Romney/Ryan was sooo successful these Chamberpot Repubs will try Romney/Rubio. Sheesh!
Is that even possible?
Romney is a loser, he put the death sentence on his own state .. Romney will also be wasting his donors money if it comes to that and little Marco is another loser siding with the bigger loser Romney.
Trump will prevail and things will change drastically, there will be many people kissing Trumps ass very shortly ,,
Trump in 2016
That’s great to hear. I can’t stand his sanctimonious speeches either. What a bore!
Screw Nancy
You are wrong. I live in Florida and voted for Marco.
That Rubio’s on the right side? Not finished yet but to throw him out altogether in Florida needs a new Senator. By the big hand on Fat Fingers Rubio, GET A JOB!
And so does all the others…
He Will be a GREAT PRESIDENT,, Thank You Jesus.. ????????????????
Better than that fat scum bucket Trump
More like a PRE-SCHOOLER…..
We the People in Florida will be glad to be rid of Rubio! He was a traitor to the People from the beginning, and the People of America are lucky Trump came along to stop Rubio’s Establishment Controlled Presidency!
If you want to tear down somebody, why don’t you comment on this cheap suite we have in the White House. He is more interested in his own Golf Score then paying attention to the needs of this country and it’s citizens. Goofy in the Oval Office could have done a better job. Constitutional Lawyer My Butt
I agree with main street. Rubio needs to grow up and mature a little before thinking about any political office. I got the impression that he was a kid trying to make it with the big guys and make some fast money. From my observation, he lacks people skills. his use of a prompter drove me batty. Just like O, nothing from the heart.
I would tell Mr Rubio. Grow up.
Marco thinks he is special. Is it because he is a white dude who comes from a linguistic group that gets to press a number to serve just them? Just about every American has ancestry that once spoke a different language. Even Native Americans originated in Asia. Yet we don’t have to press 2 to hear Navajo, Gaelic, Italian. Chinese or Polish.
Arrogant? And what is Trump, an altar boy? I do not know who you are voting for, but our nation looks doomed if Hillary, Bernie or Trump get elected. Before calling someone names, as Trump, why do you supporters tell me what definite plans Trump has to make America great. If you have trouble think about the millions of true Conservatives who has not heard a detailed plan.
Can’t stand him? Don’t tell me you are a Trump supporter? If so you will have bigger issues to worry about if Trump miraculously wins, have you thought about our nation at all, and do not tell me Trump will fix America when this is prelude to his administration. Money talks and sways people who normally think it is important or a promised position. Heaven help us all.
Thank you! To true!
You are right on.
It’s like people are so desperate to have a presidential savior that they are blinded and can’t see
the truth… that Trump is just telling them what they want to hear and has no idea, no plan, no respect
for others except for himself.
I do believe we need change in Washington DC but Trump is not the answer.
Well said Ceco
I AGREE WITH CECE
Trump as PRESIDENT will be the best thing that could happen to America now, we are on our last leg and if Trump can’t save us, no one can!
Go Trump 2016!
If you have noted,his language is toning down and policies are more forward.He garnered the attention of the American public whether you like him or not.It’s plain to see he is now focused on Hillary and will eliminate her as Huckabee himself said was done to him.Huckabee salutes Trump’s ability as a colleague and competitor.Trump has an IQ of 150 and plenty of money to show he knows how to get it rolling for us.Even the media is being forced to now share more truths about Trump such as who is really responsible for the riots.People should take note that he is cleaning the media up while he is on the way to clean house for us in America.
Does he really think Floridians will forget what he did to us? They lying weasel sold us out first chance he got.. maybe McDonald’s will hire him.. – I’ll never vote for him again..
Great point.
Rubio is a proven liar and a thief. The fact that he was elected to the Senate by an electorate that knew this is a testament to their political acumen… as is the fact that he is running for President.
Rubio is a good man. Of all the candidates out there, I respect him the most. I expect him to remain active in politics. It is unfortunate for conservative America that we have a perfect storm for Trump.
Sure thing there!!!!! Little Marco fit in with those staunch “Conservatives” McCain and Schummer so well too!
Just a “darn shame” the Gang of 8 couldn’t have implemented their Amnesty and put all this unpleasant conservatism behind us.
BTW, Do you caddy for Jeb! or Karl Rove when you aren’t spouting on the web?
Go to hell if you are not for Marco
AMEN, And SOMEONE IS LYING WHEN THEY SAY Trump is 20 Points Up.. GOD KNOWS ALL,,, Rubio 2016
Rubio will be President maybe not this time Cruz will be our next president. This time
i SURE HOPE SO
WOW if your respect for Marco you must have been one of his buds from the foam parties or the park he went to.
Marco, needs to find or create employment in the private sector and not as an Attorney! Build a successful business, produce, conform and conceive to society. After he has proven himself as a successful business person, say 20 + years, then run for a political office. By then he will have spent quality time with his children and they will be out of college, on their own, he should have created financial freedom and will have grey hair to show his knowledge gained.
So long “little Marco.” In my opinion you were never the one to assume the position of POTUS. Additionally I was fed up with Fox News and the Republicans repeatedly forcing their opinions on many of us concerning you. Perhaps you should seriously consider a new career in the private sector.
I think he is the best man for the job,not that foul mouth arrogant no clue guy that people believe everything he says.Mark my word,if he is elected he will never accomplish anything.
Rubio is completely ineligibe to either run for or assume the office of the Presidency. Ever. Perhaps he can groom one of his children, for THEY are “natural born.”
i suspect that he’ll toss his “support,” what little there is of it, to the other non-qualified candidate, the nutbar Cruz, who never relinquished is Canadian citizenship ’til 2014.
Won’t do Cruz any good, either…not to anyone who knows that the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land – and learned what “natural born” means and why that restriction is placed upon all candidates.
But based on what i’ve heard from Florida voters about the Rube’s no-show in Congress for virtually ANY votes, he’ll be looking for another job when his term expires. Buh-bye, Rube.
You need to tape your ears down So when you insert your head up Trumps ass then pull it out you won’t tear them off !!
Regarding Cruz, not that I’m for him, there is this little gem: 8 U.S. Code § 1401 – Nationals and citizens of United States at birth.
well so far nobody has ruled him ineligible to serve
Cruz and Rubio are 1st term Senators and both have birthing problems that need resolution. Cruz cant get along with his fellow Senators and both need to prove their worth before going for the highest office in the land, They are both receiving pay as Senators but have spent most of their legislative time campaigning on Tax payers dollars. They are using their first time Legislative Office as a fast paced stepping stone to the Presidency.
The reason Some of the Senators are not favorable towards Senator Cruz is every piece of Conservative
legislation he presents is turned down by the establishment in the senate. They fear he may go
against their liberal agenda if elected President, And they cant manipulate him as they can Rubio & Kasich
The thing with Trump is, he is an unknown factor in this whole scenario. Who knows what he will turn out to be
Just as he states, a pawn of Hillary Clinton, a narcissistic Hail Caesar type! an Orwellian dictator.
Rubio stole from his Florida State Credit card…Bush kept him out of jail..He stole from his Republica party Credit card…His mistress a lobbyst with a love child it is on the record $40,000 has gone to her…a good man..no a crooked politician yes…
he DOES hae issues, and integrity appears to be one if all the rumors are true that you mentioned. he is NOT a conservative anyway. He hooked up with Schumer and Reid. That shows he is a RINO and we already have too many of them who all need to be out of office. if the people of FL are smart, they will elect someone who thinks doing his job is the most important thing he can do. A senator who doesn’t VOTE is not a senator, he’s a crook!
Janice
Get your head out of your ass That is totally false
Maybe you are the one who should get his head out of your a**
Good bye Marco. Hello President Trump!
I like the sound of that!!
Hello Trump? Goodbye America!
Hello Trump! Goodbye NWO USSA! , hopefully.
Fred
Do like Janice Get your head out of Trumps ass
Is that your answer for everybody that doesn’t agree with you? Just tell ’em get your head out of someone’s ass.
I think the comment from the article “ppl are just getting to know him” is exactly that and that is what has happened to his career. Ppl are finding out the truth, he missed how many days as Senator? Rubio is a joke and waste of Americans time
Watch who you back LITTLE MARCO!!! We will won’t forget when you run for governor?
GO TRUMP!!!
I agree, Go TRUMP!! it’s time we have a presidential candidate that doesn’t owe these political thugs anything. Trump will be smart about the decisions he makes for the American people.
Trump is the thug. He is the corrupt business man paying bribes As he says. This guy is total scum @ will never get near the White House
The article is correct. Sen. Rubio has several more presidential campaign cycles ahead of him. As we go through primary season the field narrows as each candidate runs out of money or realizes that victory is not possible.
Many considered Sarah Palin to be a rising star in 2008 but her star has quickly faded. After Tuesday Marco may want to return to the Senate and give the people of Florida the best senator possible. Regardless of how Marco does in Florida on Tuesday, there isn’t much of a chance he will be the Republican presidential nominee this time around. Maybe the people of Florida will give him a win so he can leave the race with his home state’s support.
Justin-
The Horn article fails to mention one crucial point: Rubio has ZERO parents who were citizens when he was born, so he’s completely excluded from the Presidency for LIFE.
As stated before, assuming any of his CHILDREN are natural born(don’t know his wife’s status when they were born), and THEY can run when they meet the rest of the qualifications.
The Rube cannot. Ever. Be. President. EVER.
Well said Justin !!
Yes, it is time for Rubio to cash in his chips while he can with a little dignity. I hope he will throw his support to Cruz. I will support whoever the nominee is when it comes time. I do believe Cruz is the answer, but it looks like Trump will be the man. We need to close ranks and get on with taking back America. We will not survive as “America” if a democrap wins the office. If so, you had better get use to a socialist country more than what is now.
how about greece or Spain? Slovakia? the busted up Yugoslavia? socialists will reduce us to that level because they don’t give a damn. a socialist and a communist running for president? man! how low we have sunk in less than 8 years.
Maybe if the Cuban kid gets the heave ho from the clown show he can go back to doing the job that we the people gave him in Washington that he has been mostly absent from. I suspect he has not been absent for a payday. He has lied aboutvmost everything he is questioned on. Mostly he doesn’t have a clue so he just makes up stuff. Thrn there is that whole: “I just grabbed the wrong credit card” thing when caught out ripping off his party’s funds.
Don
You are a lair
Note to Senator Scrooby Doobyo,
I know exactly what you will be having for lunch today: A large serving of crow followed by Humble Pie!!
PS- Ditch the pro- illegal immigration stance Senator. That is why you are stinking while you are sinking in your home State!!
We the people are FED UP with the illegal immigration situation & have no use whatsover for lying swine like you!! Phyllis Schlafly had it right Little Marco, “YOU BETRAYED THE TEA PARTY” from the moment you got sworn in as Senator!
So how does it feel to have been TRUMPED, Senator??
i feel bad for rubo but, it is what it is so go trump go
Screw Trump the adultrous pig
I think Rubio will be backing Cruz due to his hatred for Trump. I actually liked the guy at first, but there have been too many things brought out that can’t be ignored. He and Cruz can sit around and think up many more lies to throw out to the American people. I hope he truly steps out of the race, but I don’t rely on anything I hear at this point.
Trump
Attacked every one Marco got tired of it as every one that. Has any decency So he fought back. Trump needs to go down
If he is nominated. Get use to saying President Hillary Clinton. That is a guarantee. The man has never answered a question on any issue at the debates He goes in to a tierad about some off the subject that makes no sense @ they let him get by with it. The Democratics will not. He is very very vague He does not know how the system works The President is not a dictatorship
He can not put taxes or tariffs on goods coming from other countries He must get approval from congress to do any thing with our trade agreements He can not order the Miltary to kill Isis families That is war crimes and he would be impeached He can not make Mexico pay for the wall This guy is so full of shit If he wants to get any thing done he must work with congress or you get nothing done period
He has called Congress stupid &idiots If Trump ever got to the white house he will be neutered This man is so dis liked by congress
I can not believe why people are even considering him It might be they think the President has more than he really does Trump must be defeated period !!!
Thus far I have read these comments. Listen jim man, you talk about Trump having a voul mouth, YOU have no room to talk about this man in such a manner. Clean up your language before you cast that stone. As for whinny rubio, every bad thing said about him is true. In fact, he’s the only republican that Obummer likes because they agree on the same godless lawless issues, including illegal immigrated from mexico and as well the muslims coming in our country. I have read so much about what’s going on in Washington DC that it makes my stomach turn inside out.
Grant it Trump is not a Godly man, but he and Cruz, I believe will make a great team and turn our country back to our US Constitution and perhaps Cruz could help this ungodly country back to God Almighty. We have allowed all this ungodly mess go on in Washington and now we have a chance to try to turn our country around. If Hillary Clinton should become president, then mark it, what ever good is left in this country, she will finish destroying. The democRATS in Washington are already saying that we no longer need our constitution, nor the bill of independence. So even if Donald Trump does become our president, we need to stand strong as a nation and back him even if you don’t like him!!!!!!
He wants to work to bring thus nation back to the constitution and stop all the corruption going on right now in Washington. I for one am all for getting rid of all these illegals including all these muslims. In fact, I am all for getting any and all socialists, marxists out of our country.
I am also UN favor of putting Obummer before a firing squad for treason since he’s commander in cheif.
I am not looking to argue with any one, we have enough division in our country already. Its time that we stop all this bickering and mud slinging, its time we rally and stand United and support who ever republican becomes our new president!!!
Every one needs to read from your bible Leviticus 26 the whole chapter for God our Father and Creator is trying to speak to us, our nation!!!
MAY GOD ONCE AGAIN BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
I cant see his losing out to be so disappointing…He gave it a good run, and just did not make it as 15 others didnt and wont…
It will bne between Trump and Cruz for sure, and I hope it is not Cruz for sure.
Maybe Rubio could serve as Vice President under the winner.
I noticed in the beginning of the debates, that Rubioo was the only candidate that seemed to have any true knowledge as to what was going on in the world, and was the only one that voiced any kind of plan for national security.
In the beginning, he was my choice, then here came Trump with his wall… I will be there to help him build it….
One thing I can say for sure, is if Hillary sqeezes out a win, I am moving to Mexico… It will be much safer there than here.
Well Marco, there are going to be other presidential runs in your future, and if you hold your head up, and not get discouraged, your time will come.
Run for Governor, or the senate, or even for Congress in the meantime, and do a good fair job, and that will go a long way for you in the future.
As a newby, I think you did a wonderful job… Yes, you made some serious mistakes, but at least you owned up to them….
Trump did have to put you back in your place a few times, but that is just plain politics.
One thing you might keep in mind Marco, is DON’T GET NASTY AND SAY BAD THINGS ABOUT YOU OPPONENTS.
Y’know something, William-
Rubio cannot change the circumstances of his birth. He was born to 2 Cubans who did not become citizens until he was Four. He’s not “natural born,” and will NEVER be, so he’s FOREVER excluded from the presidency.
Assuming his Wife is a citizen, and Rubio being a 14th-Amendment citizen, their CHILDREN are “natural born,” and THEY can run. Rubio himself can neither lawfully run nor lawfully serve. EVER.
If any wins other than Trump, I will also will be looking to move out of the United States. We need a huge change to bring it back from the gutter where Obama has taken us! Although I don’t know if moving out of the United States will do any good when the 1% have a one world agenda.
Watching this election process is really discouraging! The news manipulate everything! The two parties have a different process (super delegates!) which I feel leaves room for minulaption. Besides, the majority of the candidates are ridiculous!
Good!!!!!!!!!!
First “The Horn” you need to respect in order for readers to #1 take you serious and to respect you. Calling a Senator names does not give any credibility to your news. as i was reading your post I thought I was reading a Jerry Springer script.
nevertheless if that is the was you conduct business let it be so.
Thank You.
‘Lil’ Marco is what is wrong with the Republican party. It’s not about what’s best for America or his constituents, it’s what’s best for
‘The Party’. So long and good riddance ‘Lil Marco’.
Your first mistake is deciding to run when the rest of the world was expecting JEB to run for president……You must stop and start making a living to help put your own children through college…….They need a father that will give them your time and love……
maro rubio, by the way, is CONSTITUTIONALLY INELIGIBLE TO EVEN BE RUNNING OR BE POTUS. His parents were Cuban nationals who did not obtain U.S. naturalization until ‘little’ marco was between 4 and 5 years old. GOOD RIDDANCE. cruz is ALSO CONSTITUTIONALLY INELIGIBLE, if anyone cares about following our Constitution anymore!
So much anger here, seems like Second un-Civil War approaches the U.S.
Very sad to see, most of us love our country…………….
well it was pretty much obvious to almost everyone a couple of month ago that the nomination was between cruz & trump and the others had no chance to going anywheres and they should gracefully dropped out and endorsed Cruz against Trump instead of catering to their ego and party insiders. had they done that most likely cruz would be leading in dlegates by now and not trump
Hey, Allen-
Ya DO know that Cruz was a Canadian citizen until 2014, right?
Didja also know that – just llike D’OweBama – he’s sealed all records related to his birth and US citizenship?
So you tell me:
How does a Canadian citizen get US citizenship in less than 2 years, and how can that citizenship POSSIBLY be “natural born,” when the law requires that BOTH parents be US citizens at the time of the child’s birth? At BEST(and many people dispute this, saying that Cruz’ mother was registered to vote in Canada, which you can’t do unless you’re a Canadian citizen), he gets his American citizenship through his mother, but that does NOT make him “natural born.” Cruz’ DAD was NEVER a US citizen. Now, don’t get me wrong: Cruz IS a citizen, just not a “natural born” one…so because he ISN’T natural born, he’s DISQUALIFIED from the presidency.
Here’s what i see: the PtB wanted to prove to the world that they could get an idiot elected to the presidency, so we got the Shrub, with his corporate minder/babysitter, Cheney; then, they wanted to prove to the world that they could get someone elected who was COMPLETELY UNQUALIFIED, and we got D’OweBama.
Now, they want a complete FOREIGNER in the highest office in the land?
While i don’t trust Trump, at least he IS natural born – AND, it’s often a Good Thing to judge a man not only by who his friends are, but also his enemies…and Trump has a LOT of wealthy enemies, most of ’em scared to death that he’ll end their comfy loopholes and cut into their profits.
” Rubio Suspends Campaign”
In the Rube’s case, he should never have entered in the first place. He was never qualified to run due to his parentage, and will NEVER be qualified to run for the same reason: he’s not “natural born,” ergo does not meet one of the 3 Constitutional REQUIREMENTS to hold the office.
There’s a damn good chance that Floridians will vote for someone to take his place in the Senate, too, especially if he continues to shirk the duties of the office as he has been. A do-nothing senator who wanted to be a do-nothing preznit in the pockets of the wealthy globalists; that’s what he is, and that’s what he’ll remain until he grows up. IF he grows up.