Former Super Tuesday Governor Says Marco Rubio Is His Choice for President

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty appeared on CNN’s New Day program Monday morning and gave his enthusiastic endorsement to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for the Republican Party presidential nomination.

Minnesota is a “Super Tuesday I” state, where voters will head to the polls in eight days, on Tuesday, March 1.

“I’m announcing this morning and first on your show that I’m going to endorse Marco Rubio for President,” he said. “I think it comes down to this: He’s strong, he’s also informed, he’s conservative and he’s electable and he can unite the party and you can’t ask for much more than that. I think he has got the total package.”

Shortly thereafter, through the Rubio campaign, Pawlenty released a full endorsement statement:

“Marco is strong, conservative, informed and electable. He has the vision we need to lead the party and our country. He, too, wants the Republican Party to be the party of Sam’s Club, not just the country club—and I am pleased to endorse him.

“While Miami and Minnesota don’t share the same weather, we do share the same passion for expanding the American Dream, which is the central focus of his campaign.

“I also trust Marco to keep our nation safe. He shows better judgment and understanding regarding foreign policy and national security than any other candidate.

“Our nominee must be someone who can win in November. Minnesota has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate in nearly 50 years, but polls show Marco—and only Marco—can beat Hillary Clinton here. Simply put, Marco gives conservatives the best chance to unite, grow our movement, and elect the next generation of leadership.”

Pawlenty’s endorsement follows those from:

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.)

U.S. Rep. Crescent Hardy (R-Nev.)

U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.)

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.)

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)