Governor Bill Haslam has endorsed Florida Senator Marco Rubio for the Republican presidential nomination.
The popular second-term governor said he decided to endorse Rubio because he thinks he has the best chance to beat the Democratic nominee in November.
In Haslam's words: "Conservatives need a candidate who inspires Americans from all backgrounds."
Rubio's campaign released a new ad Thursday featuring Governor Haslam:
Tennessee has been among 11 states holding their Republican presidential primaries on Tuesday, when the biggest single-day haul of delegates will be up for grabs.
Tennessee's 58 delegates are the third-most available on Super Tuesday. Candidates must earn at least 20 percent of the vote to earn a proportional share.
Tennessee Republicans have shied away from establishment candidates in the last two primaries, choosing former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum in 2012 and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in 2008.
Governor Haslam's full statement Thursday said:
"To win in November, conservatives need a candidate who inspires Americans from all backgrounds. With Marco Rubio standing next to Hillary Clinton on a debate stage, the choice between the future and the past will be clear to every American. Marco has the innovative policy agenda to reclaim the American Dream for all our people, and his conservative ideas will bring the Republican Party – and America – into the future."
