2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Pre-Debate Rally With Marco Rubio at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Pre-Debate Rally With Marco Rubio at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

When:
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (CST)

Where:
Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport
9100 Gulf Freeway
Houston, TX 77017

Hosted By:
Marco Rubio for President

Register for this event now at :
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-pre-debate-rally-with-marco-rubio-tickets-22048398353

Event Details:

Please join Marco Rubio for a Rally on February 24th! Senator Rubio will deliver remarks and share his vision for A New American Century. DOORS OPEN at 3:30 PM and the EVENT BEGINS at 4:30 PM.

Each guest is required to RSVP for ALL Marco Rubio for President Events, including all adults over age 12. Each attendee must complete registration separately. If you are unable to RSVP via Eventbrite, onsite registration will be available (pending venue capacity) at the door.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Today, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson endorsed Marco Rubio for president. The Governor's endorsement adds to the momentum Marco is feeling across the country heading into the March 1 primary.

Before being elected Governor of Arkansas, Hutchinson was a U.S. Attorney for the Fort Smith-based Western District of Arkansas, an Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and a U.S. Congressman from Arkansas's third congressional district. Hutchinson was also the first Undersecretary at the newly created Department of Homeland Security after the ‪9/11 attack.
“The more I’ve watched this election unfold, the more I’ve come to see that Marco Rubio is the only candidate who can unite our nation the way Ronald Reagan once did," said Governor Hutchinson. "Not only is Marco uniquely capable of rallying Americans behind a conservative vision for the future, but he also fully understands what it takes to keep us safe in this dangerous world. I am endorsing Marco Rubio for president today because we need his optimism and strength in the White House."
 
Governor Hutchinson will be joining other conservative leaders in Arkansas, including former Senator Tim Hutchinson, Arkansas Lt. Governor Tim Griffin, Congressmen Steve Womack and Rick Crawford, and Marco's Arkansas legislative leadership team. 

House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller Endorses Marco Rubio For President

House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Today, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (FL-01) endorsed Marco Rubio for President. With the support of Congressman Miller in Florida’s strongest Republican congressional district, Marco’s campaign continues building conservative support ahead of Florida's March 15 primary.
 
Miller has represented Florida’s 1st Congressional District since 2001. Prior to that, he served in the Florida House of Representatives, including two years with Marco. Since 2011, Miller has served as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. In 2014, he and Marco played a leading role in negotiating a sweeping VA reform law that included their proposal to empower the VA secretary to fire bad managers.
 
In endorsing Marco, Congressman Miller issued the following statement:
 
“America needs a president who will take on the status quo, establishment and entrenched interests that are standing in the way of a better future for our people, and Marco will be that kind of president. I know it because I’ve seen him do it as a state legislator, in taking on and beating the Republican establishment during his Senate run, and then delivering results as Florida’s senator. In particular, Marco has stood with me in fighting for our veterans and holding the VA accountable for the unforgivable scandals and abuses we’ve seen in recent years.
 
“America needs Marco and his conservative agenda of expanding the American Dream to more people than ever before, rebuilding our military and taking care of our veterans. With voting already underway in Florida, I encourage Florida Republicans across the Panhandle and our entire state to join me in supporting Marco for President.”

Arizona Senator Jeff Flake Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Arizona Senator Jeff Flake Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Today, Arizona Senator Jeff Flake endorsed Marco Rubio for president. Across the country, conservative leaders continue to coalesce around Marco's vision for the country. Senator Flake will be joining Arizona Congressman Matt Salmon and former Arizona Senator John Kyl.

Senator Flake was elected to the United States Senate in 2012, and had previously represented Arizona's first and sixth congressional districts from 2001 to 2013.

"I’m supporting Marco Rubio for president because he has the ideas, the principles, and the toughness necessary to bring reform to Washington," said Arizona Senator Jeff Flake. "In an election where serious solutions are seriously lacking, Marco Rubio has proven that he can inspire more than just anger in Americans who are looking for an alternative to the status quo."

Bernie Sanders to Visit Massachusetts on Monday, February 22, 2016

Bernie Sanders to Visit Massachusetts on Monday, February 22, 2016
 
BOSTON -- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday will travel to Massachusetts. The Democratic Party presidential candidate will host a rally at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Sanders will discuss a wide range of issues, including getting big money out of politics, combating climate change and making college affordable.

Here is the itinerary:

Monday, February 22, 2016

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. A Future to Believe In Rally, William D. Mullins Memorial Center on the campus of the University of Massachusetts, 200 Commonwealth Avenue, Amherst
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Admission is first come, first served
For security reasons, please do not bring bags and limit what you bring to small, personal items like keys and cell phones. Weapons, sharp objects, chairs, and signs or banners on sticks will not be allowed through security. Parking available on-site.
For planning purposes, not for publication: Program begins at 7 p.m.

Florida U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mario Diaz-Balart & Carlos Curbelo Endorse Marco Rubio For President

South Florida Congressional Delegation Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Today in Miami, U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Curbelo and former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart announced their endorsement of Marco Rubio for president.
 
In endorsing Marco, they issued the following statements:
 
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: "From his leadership on foreign policy to his focus on improving our economy, Marco understands our country's needs. From his days as an intern in my Miami Congressional office to his service in the Florida House and the U.S. Senate, he has shown that he will enthusiastically tackle the problems we face with innovative policy proposals. I'm proud to endorse my friend Marco for president because I know he is part of the next generation of leaders and will be an effective advocate for conservative principles in the White House."
 
Mario Diaz-Balart: "From our days in the Florida legislature, I've known Marco Rubio to be a principled man committed to public service. This commitment and his vision for the future of this great nation make him the strongest candidate for the Republican nomination. It's no secret that the current administration has left our country weakened and divided. We need someone who will not only win back the White House in November, but who will also put our country back on a path to prosperity. I am proud to support my friend Marco Rubio as the next president of the United States."
 
Carlos Curbelo: “Marco Rubio represents a new generation of American leadership and is uniquely capable of uniting Republicans and inspiring all Americans. Republicans deserve a nominee who respects the American people, defends our constitutional principles, and can bridge the partisan divide in Washington. Like so many young Americans, I am proud to stand with Marco Rubio today, and I look forward to his leadership as our great country's next President.”
 
Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “This year’s election will be decisive for the cause of freedom.  It is time to come together in support of Marco Rubio.  Only Marco can unite our party, defeat Hillary Clinton, and save and strengthen the America that we love. Marco is brilliant, he can win and he is ready to be President.”

Former Pennsylvania Governor & Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Endorses John Kasich for President

Former Pennsylvania Governor & Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Endorses John Kasich for President
 
Former Pennsylvania Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge today came out in support of Gov. John Kasich for president and joined his campaign as a national co-chair.
 
Said Ridge, "I want to see proven conservative leadership in our nominee, not just the promise of conservative leadership, and that's why John Kasich is my candidate.  I've known him for more than 30 years, since we came to Congress together, and I've always respected the way he successfully unites people of different views to enact conservative policies.  He did it in Ohio and helped turn around his state and he did it as chief architect of the balanced budget in Washington--something we haven't seen since he left.  John Kasich also has both the strong command of national security and foreign policy issues that a president needs as well as the executive experience it takes to actually be Commander-in-Chief.  He is ready to be president on Day One."
 
A native of Munhall, Pennsylvania, Ridge represented Pennsylvania's 21st Congressional District from 1983-1995 before becoming the state's 43rd governor. In 2003, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the country's first Secretary of Homeland Security. Ridge campaigned for John McCain in 2008 and most recently supported former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
 
Said Kasich, "Tom Ridge and I entered office together in 1982. In Congress I knew a principled, resolute leader who understood how to work across the aisle to get things done for the people he served. In the years since he has distinguished himself through noble service to our country at a critical point in our nation's history. To receive his stamp of approval is a tremendous honor for me, and I'm grateful for his offer of support and advice moving forward."

Former NAACP President and Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume Endorses Hillary Clinton

Former NAACP President and Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume Endorses Hillary Clinton
 
Former NAACP President and CEO and five-term Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president today.  Mfume praised Clinton as a time tested leader with a track record of working for everyday people, especially on issues important to the African American and Latino communities.
 
"For decades, Hillary Clinton has demonstrated her commitment to fighting for Black and Latino communities in both deed and action. She is a proven leader with a long record of working for everyday people and getting the job done. She has been a remarkable colleague and friend who I know and trust.
 
"From voting rights, to health care, to education, to reforming our criminal justice system and eradicating poverty the need for a proven and time tested leader is more clear today than ever before.
 
"The basic American principle of equal treatment under law is in many ways still under attack. We need a leader who has stood up and spent time working on our behalf when it wasn't popular. She has used her life to fight for others and not just to make promises.  For working families, minority communities, millennials and our seniors there is too much at stake in this election to give it away.
 
"I served in Congress with Bernie Sanders and know him to be a likable guy, but I know that Hillary understands our struggles first hand. I believe she is the candidate best suited to carry on the work and progress made on health care and common sense gun reforms... and then actually get something done. As a former student organizer, city council member, congressman and national president of the NAACP, I am proud to enthusiastically endorse and work for Hillary Clinton to be our next President of the United States."

Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis Endorses Marco Rubio For President

Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) endorsed Marco Rubio for President. Bilirakis is a leading advocate in Congress for veterans, seniors and homeland security, including serving as vice-chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Bilirakis joins a growing campaign, and his support will be pivotal in the Tampa Bay region as Florida’s March 15 primary approaches.
In making his endorsement, Congressman Bilirakis issued the following statement:
 
"During this unprecedented and hard fought campaign season, the people are speaking loudly and clearly that we need a new generation of leadership energized by the promise of a safer, stronger and more prosperous America. Marco Rubio has been an unparalleled policy innovator as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and his optimistic leadership in the U.S. Senate has inspired Floridians in particular, and Americans nationwide. He will be a president that unites our country and moves us into the better future we deserve.
 
“Having served with Marco in the Florida Legislature and in Congress, I know him to be a leader that inspires hope and instills in all of us a love of country that we felt under another inspirational leader – Ronald Reagan.  Marco Rubio’s life story is proof positive that American exceptionalism is real, but we need to fight to preserve it and expand it to more people. His story teaches us that the son of immigrant parents, who came to this country for freedom and opportunity, can achieve anything, including holding the highest office in the land, where I know Marco will work every day to give back to the country that changed his family’s history.
 
“Marco has been faithful in supporting a conservative agenda and a strong national security strategy to protect our nation from our enemies. He is a relentless advocate for our veterans who will be able to make the biggest difference for them by shaking up the VA as president. Marco is the best-qualified candidate with the right solutions to confront the major challenges before us.  I am proud to support my good friend, Marco Rubio, as the Republican nominee for President."

John Kasich for America Announces Michigan Leadership Team

John Kasich for America Announces Michigan Leadership Team
 
Today Kasich for America announced Gov. John Kasich's newly appointed Michigan leadership team, which includes 15 prominent public officials and political leaders from around the state.
 
Said Kasich, "It's a great honor to receive the support of Michigan's finest public servants and political advisers. The talent on this team runs incredibly deep, and I have great faith in our team's ability to reach voters with our message of optimism and results in the coming weeks."
 
Led by former Congressman Pete Hoekstra, the team includes the following members:
 
Kasich for American Michigan Leadership Team
 
Chairman, Pete Hoekstra, Ottawa County, Former Congressman
 
Co-Chair, Arlan Meekhof, Ottawa County, State Senate Majority Leader
Co-Chair, Tom Leonard, Clinton County, State House Speaker Pro Tempore
Co-Chair, Chuck Yob, Newaygo County, Former RNC Committeeman
 
Finance Chair, David Nicholson, Wayne County, Wayne State University Board of Governors
Finance Co-Chair, John Inhulsen, Kent County, Kent GOP Chair
 
Steering Committee, Jason Sheppard, Monroe County, State Representative
Steering Committee, Wayne Schmidt, Grand Traverse County, State Senator
Steering Committee, Brad Jacobsen, Oakland County, State Representative
Steering Committee, Chris Ward, Oakland County, Former State House Floor Leader
Steering Committee, Joel Gougeon, Bay County, Former State Senator
Steering Committee, Bev Hammerstrom, Monroe County, Former Senate Floor Leader
Steering Committee, Tom George, Kalamazoo County, Former State Senator
Steering Committee, Ed Gaffney, Wayne County, Former State Representative
Steering Committee, Leon Stille, Ottawa County, Former State Senator