The Tampa Bay Times endorsed Jeb Bush for the Republican nomination for president Thursday, blasting his Florida rival Marco Rubio in the process.
“It’s time to stop treating the election of the next president of the United States like a game show without serious consequences,” the Times’ editorial board wrote in an opening clearly directed at GOP front-runner Donald Trump.
The Times’ echoed the rationale for Bush’s candidacy that he and his backers often posit themselves.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Republican Party, which has to broaden its message and its appeal to women and minorities to ensure its long-term future. Bush has the best potential to connect with the voters in a general election and take the nation forward rather than backward,” the Times’ wrote.
The Times harshly dismissed Rubio.
“He was an undistinguished state legislator who rose to Florida House speaker on his charm and surfed the 2010 Tea Party wave into the U.S. Senate,” the Times wrote.
“Rubio is a likeable opportunist with a persuasive sales pitch but a thin record of accomplishment,” the editorial said.
The Times was likewise uninterested in Ted Cruz, who has also attracted some attention in Florida.
“Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is a dangerous alternative with his willingness to ‘carpet bomb’ Islamic militants and recklessly endanger civilian lives,” the Times’ board wrote.
Trump leads in the GOP race for Florida in most polls.
