At a Statehouse news conference, GOP legislators touted what they called Rubio’s values-based campaign. Afterward, Rep. Kurt Wright, R-Burlington, gave VTDigger a list of those backing Rubio, which included Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, 27 representatives and one senator.
Scott was not present or mentioned at the news conference.
In a statement, Scott said his decision to endorse Rubio “is about which Republican candidate, in my view, has the best ability to unite moderates and conservatives, the most optimistic vision for our nation and a real grasp of foreign policy.”
“As I’ve said, I cannot support Donald Trump or Ted Cruz and the party has to have a candidate who can bring people together and focus on moving America forward,” Scott said.
The Republicans contrasted Rubio with real estate mogul Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate. On Wednesday, former Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie also endorsed the junior senator from Florida.
“We think he is the best chance to deliver victory,” said Wright. “His grasp of the issues is second to none.”
Rubio was elected to the Senate in 2011 and is a member of the Intelligence Committee, an assignment that some of the Vermont Republicans say gives him a solid national security background.
“As a man who wears the uniform, this is someone I can get behind,” said Rep. Job Tate, R-Mendon, who is a Navy reservist. “This is a commander in chief that I can rally behind and I think the rest of the military can rally behind.”
One issue where Rubio may be out of step with many Vermonters is abortion. According to CNN, Rubio has said he opposes abortion in all instances but would support legislation containing limited exceptions.
Asked about Rubio’s stance on abortion, Wright said, “There’s no candidate that I agree with on every single issue.”
“I probably part company with Sen. Rubio on a couple of issues,” he said. “I think that the issues that will be most important in this election are national security and the economy, and I think he’s very strong on those issues.”
The endorsements come just a few days before the Vermont primaries on Tuesday.
According to a recent VPR poll, 33 percent of Vermonters said they would vote for Donald Trump on the Republican ticket if the vote were held that day.
Vermont has 16 delegates to dole out among the candidates in its Republican primary — the least of any of the 11 states holding a Republican vote on Super Tuesday. Vermont’s delegate count represents just 1 percent of the 1,237 that a candidate would need to clinch the Republican nomination.
Rubio holds 14.6 percent of the Vermont Republican vote, according to the VPR poll, just ahead of Ohio Gov. John Kasich, with 14.1 percent of the vote.
Though he is a supporter of the Florida senator, Wright acknowledged it’s an uphill battle for him. “I’m afraid (Trump) is going to win,” he said. “Though, I believe every Kasich voter would be a Rubio voter should he drop out.”
