DeMint endorses Rubio over Crist

One of the Senate’s most conservative members, Republican Jim DeMint of South Carolina, on Tuesday waded into the Florida Senate primary to endorse former state House speaker Marco Rubio over GOP Gov. Charlie Crist.

DeMint appeared with Rubio at a small press gaggle outside the Russell Senate Office Building, brushing off questions about Rubio’s lagging poll numbers and fundraising and saying Rubio was the best choice for conservative voters. DeMint said Crist called him Tuesday morning to discuss his announcement but did not try to dissuade him, and that he would support Crist if he beats Rubio in the primary.

DeMint also said he ran his announcement by Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas). Cornyn endorsed Crist last month, raising eyebrows at the speed of the decision.

DeMint described his endorsement as an attempt to “get the ball rolling” on Rubio’s behalf, and to stimulate discussion among GOP primary voters in Florida.

“I’m convinced that he can win and that he should win, and he’ll be one of the ones to help lead our party out of the wilderness and into the arms of a waiting American people,” DeMint said. “I’m convinced that the more the country looks at where we’re going and where we need to go, they’re going to look at candidates like Marco.”

DeMint, who said he has known Rubio for about a month and that Rubio sought him out. DeMint also said he would raise funds and campaign for Rubio if asked.

Rubio called DeMint “taxpayers’ hero,” and said he is running to oppose the Democratic agenda, specifically spending decisions.

“The spending that happens here on a daily basis, quite frankly, is not just mortgaging our future, but selling off our future,” he said. “That’s what this campaign is about. It’s not about acquiring power. It’s not about becoming a member of a club. It’s about joining voices that are already here and being one of a number of voices that will run and be elected in 2010 and will begin to once again put America back on track.”

–J. Taylor Rushing