NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jeb Bush on Friday joined his super PAC’s attack on Marco Rubio’s character, saying that the Florida senator “cut and run” from his past support for comprehensive immigration reform.
Bush was appearing with Lindsey Graham to accept the South Carolina Republican’s endorsement for president when he was asked if he is comfortable with a tough attack ad aired by his super PAC, Right to Rise USA, that accuses Rubio of flip-flopping on immigration. Strategists for the group have described the spot as primarily a hit on Rubio’s “character,” rather than on his immigration policy, and Bush, the former Florida governor, is now echoing the hit.
“Marco cut and run, plain and simple,” Bush said during a news conference at a local hotel. “For whatever reason, there may be legitimate reasons. But he cut and run. He asked for my support on a bill, and he cut and run. He cut and run on his colleagues as well. This is about leadership.”
Rubio never disavowed the bipartisan “gang of eight” immigration reform bill he helped push through the Senate (it later died in the House.) But he has since dropped his support for overhauling U.S. immigration law via a comprehensive, catch-all bill, and proposes a step by step approach that begins with border security measures. The Rubio campaign wasn’t immediately available to respond to Bush’s latest criticism.
Bush’s candidacy has been stuck for months in single digits in most public opinion polls. Dislodging Rubio from his top tier position in New Hampshire and elsewhere is imperative to Bush’s strategy for reviving his campaign. He is banking everything on a strong finish in the Granite State primary, set for Feb. 9, to gain momentum for the Feb. 20 South Carolina primary and beyond.
Graham’s endorsement could help Bush coalesce the support of so-called establishment Republicans in the Palmetto State. Graham, who recently aborted his own long-shot presidential bid, declined to join Bush’s slight at Rubio’s character — although he didn’t flatly disagree with either — saying he expects that Rubio will be president one day, but that he doesn’t think the Floridian is ready at the age of 44.
“I’m not here to talk about Marco Rubio’s commitment to immigration reform. I’ve seen Jeb, who’s been consistent,” Graham told reporters. “Of all the people talking about immigration, Jeb makes the most sense to me.”
This isn’t the first time Graham has endorsed against Rubio, the Florida senator’s campaign team was quick to mention. The South Carolinian backed Charlie Crist for Senate over Rubio ahead of the 2010 Republican senatorial primary, as much of the party establishment did, and his leadership PAC made two separate contributions to Crist’s campaign totaling $5,000 in 2009.
“Jeb Bush and his establishment allies are trying to buy this election and they know Marco is the conservative leader standing in their way,” Rubio campaign spokesman Joe Pounder told the Washington Examiner. “But for all their millions, they can’t cover up Jeb Bush’s record of ever-changing immigration positions. When Marco is president, there will be no amnesty and we will secure the border.”
