Rubio Defies Tea Party, Endorses Mitch McConnell For Reelection

Outside the Beltway ^ | October 20, 2013 | Doug Mataconis

[2ndDivisionVet]

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has endorsed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell over his Tea Party primary challenger:

Washington (CNN) - One-time tea party favorite Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, said Sunday he supports Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s bid for re-election in 2014.

McConnell is facing a primary challenge in his home state of Kentucky from businessman Matt Bevin, who was endorsed by the influential Senate Conservatives Fund on Friday.

“Matt Bevin is a true conservative who will fight to stop the massive spending, bailouts, and debt that are destroying our country. He is not afraid to stand up to the establishment and he will do what it takes to stop Obamacare,” Senate Conservatives Fund Director Matt Hoskins said in a statement.

But McConnell said he’s skeptical of attacks from the far-right.

“I’ve endured millions of dollars in attack ads that have called me a right-wing fanatic over the years. I think my opponents in the primary are going to have a hard time convincing Kentucky primary voters that I’m some kind of liberal,” McConnell said on CBS’s “Face The Nation.”

(…)

Rubio, himself facing flak from the far right over his stance on immigration reform, said McConnell is doing a good job in tough circumstances.

“I do support Sen. McConnell’s re-election. I think he’s trying to lead our conference....

[2ndDivisionVet]

I was never fooled by Marco.

[Windflier]

I was never fooled by Marco.

Same here. I never did get what all the fuss was over him.

And now look. After so many people trying their darnedest to give him the benefit of the doubt after his shameful endorsement of 'comprehensive immigration reform', he turns around and firmly closes the door shut on any remaining doubts as to what camp he really stands in.

FU Rubio, you fraud.

[Tzimisce]

And they just keep pissing in our faces.......

[Olog-hai]

Let that endorsement benefit McConnell’s rival instead. Rubio stabbed the Tea Party in the back too many times already.

[GilesB]

I have always liked Rubio, and rationalized his mistakes. No more. Boot him.

[Ronin]

I sorta was. At least I had high hopes for him.

Sadly, he’s decided that life is better inside the establishment tent, so he’s toast now.

[itssme]

Toast burned to a crisp.

[Billthedrill]

Hmm...this "Rubio" fellow - what position does he play?

Oh. Prone. Never mind.

[stevie_d_64]

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts...

There are several Trojan Horses in the midst of the republican party apparatus...

Too bad Florida has to put up with this guy for a few more years...Some will rationalize their patience over that time, trying to find something good to cling too when the time draws near to decide to keep him, or toss him on the trash heap of bad choices...

Just remember what has happened over the here and now, Rubio will change his tune, perhaps coming more to the right as time marches on, never forget the COMPLETE time of service in this term, he has probably learned from the best on how to swing his position on issues to justify his and many others existence in the ranks of temporary occupyer;s of office around our country...

They all learn to do this in one way, shape or form, it is reality...

And it will be up to Florida to take care of this...Let’s see if they can remember this time in our countries history when it to makes its decision to keep him around...

[faucetman]

Attention Sean Hannity.... Is your man crush on “Marco” finally over now? Ready to unhitch your horse from his wagon?

[Hardraade]

Rubio was always a fraud, and I don’t think he fooled all that many.

[Amagi]

I initially thought Rubio an ally for freedom, albeit not an especially bright one.
Lord knows we need freedom fighters in DC.
Rubio disappoints on many levels.

[Still Thinking]

Surprising. Not.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

The GOP desperately needs new blood - new, charismatic advocates of limited government and self-reliance. When I first heard of Rubio, I was interested and wanted to learn more. At this point, I’ve learned more than enough - Rubio is a political descendant of the Bushes, a slimmer Chris Christie. No thanks.

[gattaca]

Ann Coulter will be happy.

[Usagi_yo]

This particular machination has to do more with Ted Cruz then McConnell.

[wardaddy]

Ruck Fubio

Just another Latino bong dreg

Spit it out....sick bubblegum

[wardaddy]

Why wasn’t his sponsoring amnesty enough then?

I saw the circle jerk for him here election night 2012

Instantly as it became obvious we were down the crapper yet again

Freepers run for identity politics like vampires for virgin blood

(Not you perhaps but 100s did)

Crazy like batshite

Isn’t it a rich irony yet another ....albeit half Latino is our best hope

But honesty check.....does Cruz’s surname or identity mean anything now?

Hell no....its just so far he is our leader.....at least we have one finally who actually is in the game

Not in radio or on the sidelines snowy and all

[Catsrus]

I suspect his “good friend,” John McCain took Rubio under his wing and instructed him in the ways to be a turncoat

[pallis]

He fooled me. I certainly didn’t expect him to join the club as quick as this. At least it gives the Tea Party time to find a strong candidate to primary him with.