This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/us/politics/marco-rubio-florida-senate-race.html

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
In Reversal, Marco Rubio to Seek Re-election in Senate In Reversal, Marco Rubio to Seek Re-election to Senate
(35 minutes later)
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has decided to seek re-election to the Senate after months of insisting that he would not run again, three people who have been informed of his decision said Wednesday, a reversal that will reshape one of the most competitive races in the country. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said Wednesday that he has decided to seek re-election to the Senate after months of insisting he would not run again, a reversal that will reshape one of the most competitive races in the country.
Mr. Rubio, 45, who is said to be reluctant to give up the high profile that a Senate seat offers, is expected to make an announcement later on Wednesday. Florida’s deadline to file for election is Friday. Mr. Rubio, 45, who is said to be reluctant to give up the high profile that a Senate seat offers, will enter the race with the formidable advantages of incumbency, national name recognition and strong ties to the Republican Party’s donor base.
Mr. Rubio is coming off a bruising race for president that ended with an embarrassing loss to Donald J. Trump in his home state on March 15 — one that focused in no small part on his frequent absence from the Senate and from his duties in Florida as he campaigned. But he also faces numerous hurdles. He is coming off a bruising race for president that ended with an embarrassing loss to Donald J. Trump in his home state on March 15 — one that focused in no small part on his frequent absence from the Senate and from his duties in Florida as he campaigned.
The senator has told colleagues and advisers that he would like to run for president again, either in 2020 or 2024. But he increasingly came to believe that doing so from the private sector would be difficult. He also made no secret of his distaste for Washington and the often glacial pace of business on Capitol Hill, words he is certain to see turned against him in attack ads from Democrats who had been optimistic about their chances at taking back Mr. Rubio’s seat before he entered the race.
His decision is not without considerable risk, despite his status as a nationally known incumbent who will have the full backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. According to people who have spoken with Mr. Rubio in recent days, the senator is especially concerned about the effect that Mr. Trump’s candidacy could have on his chances of winning. If Mr. Trump loses Florida, with its large Hispanic population, it could hurt Mr. Rubio. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Mr. Rubio acknowledged his about-face and tried to explain himself in part by saying, “I changed my mind.”
“I think it’s clearly outlined that I’m frustrated by what’s happening here in the Senate — most Americans are,” he added.
Then, in a dig at the presumptive nominees of both political parties, Mr. Rubio said he ultimately believed that no matter who is elected president, the Senate has the vital role “of being able to act as a check and balance on bad ideas from the president.”
The senator has told colleagues and advisers that he would like to run for president again, either in 2020 or 2024. But he increasingly came to think that doing so from the private sector would be difficult.
His decision is not without considerable risk to his political future, despite his status as a nationally known incumbent who will have the full backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
According to people who have spoken with Mr. Rubio in recent days, the senator is especially concerned about the effect that Mr. Trump’s candidacy could have on his chances of winning. A poor performance in the November general election by Mr. Trump against Hillary Clinton in Florida, with its large Hispanic population, could hurt Mr. Rubio.
Mr. Rubio’s move was truly last-minute. Florida’s deadline to file as a candidate is Friday.