Marco Rubio draws endorsements, accolades for new Senate re-election campaign

Sen. Marco Rubio is not destined to be a forgotten presidential also-ran. He has emerged intact from a campaign arena that included 16 other combatants and much saber-rattling.

The tenacious Florida Republican made his decision to run for re-election on Father’s Day in Miami, surrounded by his wife and four children. Mr. Rubio quickly retooled his presidential campaign apparatus and website for the statewide race, adopting the motto “Join the fight to keep America safe and strong.”

Mr. Rubio leads both his Democratic rivals in a significant new Quinnipiac University poll, even as endorsements and accolades arrive from distinct sectors. Sens. Ted Cruz and Mike Lee applauded their peer’s decision to run, as did Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Gov. John Kasich.

Leaders of conservative lobby groups are also pleased.

“Rubio is one of the strongest, most articulate champions in the fight for unborn children and their mothers. Senator Rubio provides us with the strongest chance to win and maintain this consistent pro-life voice in Washington,” says Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, a national pro-life group.

“We hope conservatives in Florida and elsewhere will rally behind Rubio and ensure that the Senate stays out of Democrat hands. He is a young and energetic conservative leader who understands that regulatory reform and spending reform are necessary to help restore prosperity in America,” says FreedomWorks PAC Chairman Adam Brandon.

The influential Club for Growth PAC also has endorsed Mr. Rubio, along with Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis, who dropped his Senate bid and is running instead for reelection to the House.

“No matter who wins the White House, we need a strong group of principled, persuasive leaders in Congress who will not only advance limited government, free enterprise and a strong national defense, but also explain to Americans how it makes life better for them and their families,” Mr. Rubio said in a new campaign declaration. “I ultimately changed my mind about this race because on that front, and in that fight, I believe I have something to offer.”