Politics & Government

Marco Rubio Supports Allen in Senate Bid

The Florida senator campaigned with Allen at a small flower shop in Arlington on Thursday morning.

George Allen got help from one of the brightest young stars in the Republican party on Thursday morning.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio publically endorsed Allen, a former U.S. senator and governor, in the Virginia U.S. Senate race, calling it one of the most important congressional races this year.

Allen will face off in the general election against former Gov. Tim Kaine for the Senate seat which will be vacated by

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Rubio's endorsement, staged at Company Flowers in North Arlington, comes just days after  with 66 percent of the vote.

"It's not just for the State of Virginia that we need George Allen," Rubio said.

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"We are literally, on issue after issue, one or two or three votes away from being able to make a difference. You want tax reform in America? We need George Allen's vote. You want regulatory reform in America? We need George Allen's vote. You want this country to have an energy policy again? We need George Allen's vote. We need him in the United States Senate leading — not just voting, but leading — on these issues."

On Friday, a straw poll conducted by the Conservation Political Action Committee determined Rubio is the obvious first choice for Mitt Romney's running mate.

At Company Flowers on Thursday, Rubio said he was flattered by the poll, but would prefer working alongside Allen in the Senate.

He blamed the Obama administration and Democratic leadership in the Senate for the sluggish economic recovery. He also called Virginia a "bellwether" for the country. "The country looks to Virginia and how Virginia votes," he said. 

"If we don't change leadership, we don't change track," he said.

Allen thanked Rubio for his support and said the timing of the press conference was a result of their busy schedules.

Allen purchased a gardenia bush for $25 from Company Flowers owner John Nicholson during the event. Rubio sent flowers to his wife in Florida.


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