Four members of Scott Walker’s Iowa campaign are now aligning with Marco Rubio. With the Wisconsin governor exiting the presidential race Monday, the Walker campaign’s network of activist supporters in the early primary states are free to endorse other candidates.
In Iowa, three county chairs and a university student leader are now supporting Rubio, the Florida senator. Melody Slater of Lee County, Matt Giese of Dubuque County, and Alan Ostergren of Muscatine County, have all shifted their support for Rubio.
“While I am saddened by the news of Governor Walker’s campaign ending, I am proud to join Senator Rubio’s team. His conservative, positive vision is exactly what this country needs,” said Slater in a statement to THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
“Senator Rubio has the vision and ideas that are needed to lead us into the new American century,” said Giese. “I’m looking forward to serving on Senator Rubio’s Iowa team.”
“Marco’s optimistic vision for the 21st century is exactly what our country needs. In the coming months, I look forward to helping Marco win the Iowa caucuses,” said Ostergren.
In addition, Brittany Gaura, an Iowa State University student who co-chaired Iowa Students for Walker, is also endorsing Rubio. “As much as I support Governor Walker, I know it is a critical time in this nation’s history. I am supporting Marco for the positive vision and strong leadership he will bring to America’s future,” she said.
Rubio has also picked up support from the chairman of Walker’s New Hampshire campaign as well as an early supporter of Walker’s in South Carolina.
Jeb Bush, meanwhile, has become another immediate beneficiary of Walker dropping out. Former Wisconsin state GOP chair Rick Graber, who also served as George W. Bush’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, endorsed the younger Bush.
