Marco Rubio’s Support Is Growing in These States

Traditionally, the “right time” to peak in the run-up to the Iowa Republican Caucus is the first or second week of January.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s campaign seems to be following that playbook to the letter, rolling out a number of major endorsements and blasting the email inboxes of journalists multiple times an hour with new reports of “momentum” in the early voting states. But as the polls are beginning to show, it might not be hype.

Friday, the campaign released an impressive South Carolina leadership team:

Today, the Marco Rubio for President campaign is excited to announce grass-roots supporters from all across South Carolina. Leaders of all backgrounds—GOP activists, TEA Party leaders, faith leaders, youth leaders, and first time voters—are uniting behind the conservative leadership and vision of Marco Rubio.

As momentum continues to grow for Marco in the Palmetto State, the Rubio campaign is proud to be releasing the largest list of grass-roots leaders in South Carolina of any candidate to date. Marco will also be returning to South Carolina this afternoon and tomorrow, Jan. 8 and 9, to meet with voters in Columbia and Aiken.

A few minutes later, his campaign announced an equally impressive list of “Iowa ag leaders” who were backing him:

Today, the Marco Rubio for President campaign released a growing group of Iowa agriculture leaders supporting Marco’s vision for a New American Century. 

“Marco Rubio is the next generation leader America needs in the White House,” said State Senator Dan Zumbach. “As president, Marco Rubio will help Iowa farmers by rolling back job-killing EPA overreach. He knows outdated Washington red tape harms our economy and has a plan to empower farmers, not unelected bureaucrats.”

“I support Marco Rubio for president because he has a deep understanding of the issues facing agriculture in the 21st century and how Washington’s burdensome regulations impact Iowa agriculture,” said Gage Kent, chairman and CEO, Kent Corporation. “Marco Rubio’s pro-growth, pro-family tax reform allows Iowans to invest and grow their businesses, not turn them over to the government.”

“As president, Marco Rubio will be a consistent defender of Iowa farmers and agriculture,” said Grant Kimberley of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “Unlike other candidates, Marco Rubio will not change his position based on what audience he is talking to, what state he is in or which way the polling is swinging. It is important to have a principled, conservative president who supports farming, and that’s why I am for Marco Rubio.”

He’s since rolled out a list of “northeast Iowa leaders”:

This morning, the Marco Rubio for President campaign announced the county leaders in Northeast Iowa helping Marco share his optimistic message with caucus-goers.

As Marco is competing in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, today’s announcement continues to build on months of momentum. Leaders in the Northeast part of the state are going to play an important role in Marco’s success on caucus night.

And a list of “southwest Iowa leaders”:

This morning, the Marco Rubio for President campaign announced county leaders for Southwest Iowa helping Marco share his vision for a New American Century. 

Marco is prepared to compete in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, and today’s announcement of county leaders continues to build on the strong organization that will help Marco succeed at the caucuses on Feb. 1.

“Marco Rubio is the candidate best prepared to lead America in dangerous times,” said Fremont County Attorney Corey Becker. “Southwest Iowa wants a president who will rebuild our military, defeat ISIS and keep Americans safe. Marco has the most experience and the best judgment on these issues, and that’s why he is the right choice for president.”

And now his campaign asserts it’s the first to roll out a 50-state leadership team:

Today, the Marco Rubio for President campaign is the first to announce statewide leaders in all 50 states. The announcement comes as Louisiana’s State Senator Mack “Bodi” White will be chairing Marco’s campaign in Louisiana. 

Since launching his campaign in April, Marco’s campaign has competed in all 50 states and built a national grass-roots organization unmatched by other campaigns. Today, the campaign is announcing 98 statewide leaders covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“After nearly eight years of President Obama in the White House, many working families in Louisiana are rightfully fed up with politics today. But Marco Rubio is the next-generation leader we can count on to unite the party and stick to his conservative principles,” said Louisiana State Sen. Mack “Bodi” White. “Marco’s parents sacrificed much to give him a better tomorrow, and he understands the daily struggles of working families better than any other candidate in the race. Marco has a plan to create more jobs and opportunity for all, and as more people across the country hear his message they are drawn to his optimistic vision for our nation’s future. I am proud to join 49 other state chairmen to support Marco Rubio for president.”

“Marco continues to gain momentum as he competes to win in all 50 states,” said Rubio Campaign Spokeswoman Caitlin Conant. “We’re thrilled with the growing support and encouragement he receives across the country as he talks about his vision for a New American Century.”

There isn’t any law that requires campaign press releases be accurate. But the latest polling numbers certainly indicate Rubio’s grass-roots support is growing—albeit slowly—in the early voting states.

In Iowa, his Real Clear Politics polling average has grown to 12.6 percent. In New Hampshire, it’s 13.3 percent, and he’s moved up to second place. In South Carolina, he’s up to 12.0 percent after spending much of the fall in the high single digits.