Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe endorsed Marco Rubio for president on Saturday, calling him a “solid conservative” and the GOP’s best chance at defeating Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
“Marco and I have shared, similar values, such as working for a smaller federal government and putting an end to wasteful spending,” said Inhofe in a prepared statement provided to the Oklahoman.
“At the same time, we both recognize the need for the United States to be a global leader and that it requires a well-supported, world-class military that can safely and effectively answer when called upon,” Inhofe continued.
Last weekend, Inhofe told Tulsa World that Rubio, who sits third in the Washington Examiner‘s presidential power rankings, is the “one that I really do like.”
“I’d love to see him in a debate with Hillary just for my own personal entertainment,” Inhofe said, citing Rubio’s smarts. At the time, Inhofe wasn’t prepared to make an official endorsement.
Inhofe is the second Republican member of Congress from Oklahoma to back Rubio, after Rep. Markwayne Mullin.
As early state primaries approach, Rubio is rolling out endorsements that his campaign kept quiet for weeks for months. He recently announced backing from Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina.
