Toomey backs Rubio for president

Pennsylvania’s Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey has endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for the GOP presidential nomination, embracing the candidate regarded by many as the leading “establishment” contender in the field.

 

In a conference call with reporters late Wednesday, Toomey said he made his decision before Rubio’s third-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.

“I called Marco last week and told him I wanted to help him any way I can,” Toomey said. “I think he’ll be a great president.”

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Toomey said he delayed the announcement because Rubio was so consumed with preparations in Iowa that he asked Toomey to wait until Wednesday so they could “coordinate the announcement.”

Toomey said he’s “not making this endorsement as a criticism of anyone else,” but many Pennsylvania Republicans on the ballot this year would prefer a moderate at the top of the ticket who can appeal to Democrats and independents.

Toomey is seeking his second term in the Senate this fall.

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