Marco Rubio Continues to Make Inroads With This Group

Marco Rubio has struggled to break out of the pack of establishment candidates trailing Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, but that could be changing.

Just hours before a debate performance in which he appeared much more aggressive, and was able to score points against some of the other candidates, the Florida senator got a big boost from a key swing state. On FOX Business Network, during the preview of the debate, former Virginia Gov. George Allen gave his endorsement:

“First of all, national security is important, but we can’t have a strong, agile and technologically advanced national defense without a strong economy, and I’ve been listening to people who are looking for candidates with coherent ideas and solutions to be for, rather than against. I’ve listened to all of the candidates demeanor and their agenda, and the one who I think is the very best one that can unite Republicans, can get independents and young people, the right tax reform, productive energy policies, as well as reigning in the regulators is Marco Rubio. My wife, Susan, and I are proud and enthusiastic in supporting Marco Rubio, who I think is the next generation conservative leader that really can get people inspired by his campaign. He can handle double coverage, and he keeps his cool and his poise, and he’s grounded on those principles of liberty and opportunity for all.”

Rubio campaign spokesperson Caitlin Conant said Allen is “a strong leader advocating for a more competitive and opportunity-filled America with tax and regulatory reform and productive energy policies for families and enterprise.” She said he would assist their campaign by sharing Rubio’s “message of optimism for a better future with more jobs and more opportunities.”

“We are encouraged by our continued momentum in Virginia and throughout our country,” she said. “Marco Rubio is thrilled to have Gov. Allen join his National Steering Committee to advance our positive, innovative goals for a New American Century.”