Is Marco Rubio changing his mind on running for reelection?
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has long been insisting he'll be a private citizen come January 2017--but this week, shortly before the deadline for him to file for reelection, he might be changing his tune.
Rubio told reporters at the Capitol Wednesday that he has enjoyed serving in the Senate, and that he's planning to discuss the issue with his family.
"Obviously, I take very seriously everything that's going on -- not just Orlando, but in our country," he said. "I enjoy my service here a lot. So I'll go home later this week, and I'll have some time with my family, and then if there's been a change in our status, I'll be sure to let everyone know."
These comments come after the Florida lawmaker and former 2016 hopeful indicated earlier this week that he might be taking a second look at the race. Asked by radio host Hugh Hewitt if the mass shooting in Orlando had affected his thoughts at all on the race, Rubio responded, "It really gives you pause to think a little bit about, you know, your service to the country."
And on Wednesday, Rubio had another obstacle removed from his path should he decide to run: Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, a friend of his and one of the GOP candidates running for the seat, said publicly that he would bow out should Rubio decide to run again.
"I have asked Sen. Marco Rubio to reconsider his decision and enter the senate race. The decision is his and his alone to make," Lopez-Cantera wrote in a note to supporters. "I am still in this race and nothing has changed. However, if Marco decides to enter this race, I will not be filing the paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate."
