JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With presidential primary elections fast approaching, candidates will look to make their names known outside of just Iowa and New Hampshire.
And judging from the surge of support Thursday, Florida senator Marco Rubio has a strong ally in the Missouri legislature.
Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, has led Rubio’s campaign team in Missouri since October, and yesterday, legislators from around the state announced their endorsements of the candidate. Richardson also spoke about the outpouring of support with KMOX’s Mark Reardon.
“We were able to roll out a list of 18 fellow legislators who have endorsed Sen. Rubio,” Richardson told Reardon. “If you look at that group, it’s a really diverse group from all across the state, from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and I think it’s a testament to the fact that Marco’s message is resonating here in Missouri.”
Richardson also agreed with Reardon that Rubio gave Republicans the best chance at winning the White House.
“If you ask the folks in the Hillary Clinton campaign who they’re most afraid of, the answer they’ll give you is Marco Rubio,” he said.
The most notable get for the campaign was likely President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, who will also become Co-Chair of the Rubio campaign in Missouri.
Thrilled to have @RonFRichard join @TeamMarco as Co-Chair of our effort in Mo! #newamericancentury #moleg
— Todd Richardson (@Rep_TRichardson) November 19, 2015
Others added their own support throughout the day.
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for president.Ready for a #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Dan Shaul (@danshaul113) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for President today. It’s time for a #newamericancentury! @TeamMarcoMO @TeamMarco pic.twitter.com/P8xgoYaLHk
— Caleb Rowden (@calebrowden) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for President! The best candidate to #StopHillary & promote conservatism. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Shamed Dogan (@Dogan4Rep) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse Marco Rubio for President. @marorubioforpresident. #newamericancentury@TeamMarcoMo.
— Donna Lichtenegger (@FriendsofDonna) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for president. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Rebecca Roeber (@RebeccaRoeber) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for president. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMo
— Rep. Lyndall Fraker (@Fraker4Mo) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for President. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Tony R Dugger (@TonyRDugger) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for president. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Jason Chipman (@JChipmanMO120th) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for president. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Mike Cierpiot (@MikeCierpiot) November 19, 2015
I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for president. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Jay Barnes (@jaybarnes5) November 19, 2015
America needs a strong leader. Today, I am proud to endorse @marcorubio for President. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Justin Alferman (@Justinalf) November 19, 2015
I am proud to support @marcorubio for President. In an election of generational choices, he is the future. #newamericancentury @TeamMarcoMO
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) November 19, 2015
Proud to Support @marcorubio for a #NewAmericanCentury #Marco4MO
— Caleb Jones (@calebmjones) November 19, 2015