South Carolina Rep. Congressman Trey Gowdy on Wednesday was quick to defend Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who he’s endorsed for president, against a tough finish in the first-in-the-nation primary.
Rubio, who was poised to do well in New Hampshire but lost much of his momentum after a run-in with fellow Republican hopeful Chris Christie during last Saturday’s GOP debate, carried a little over 10 percent of the vote Tuesday evening, putting him in fifth place behind billionaire Donald Trump, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Rubio’s one-time mentor, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
“Those of us who know Marco aren’t at all surprised at what he said last night,” Gowdy told Fox News, referring to Rubio’s concession speech. The first-term Florida senator claimed Tuesday night that his poor debate performance was partially to blame for his disappointing finish in the primary.
“I did not do well Saturday night,” Rubio admitted, promising his supporters “that will never happen again.”
Gowdy, who was campaigning for Rubio in New Hampshire as recently as last week, said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s fierce criticism of Rubio during the seventh GOP debate only served to benefit the Republican Party’s leading opponent.
“What Chris Christie did was an in-kind contribution to the Democratic Party,” he said. “There was no chance that Chris Christie was ever going to be our nominee and he’s certainly not going to do well in South Carolina if he bothers to come.”
The Southern congressman continued, “Marco Rubio can win in November. In fact, he’s more likely to win than any of our other candidates. So what Chris Christie did is just hurt Marco Rubio, but he didn’t help himself. And in the process, he helped whoever the Democratic nominee is.”
Christie, who finished sixth in New Hampshire’s primary with just over 7 percent support, announced late Tuesday evening that he would return to New Jersey instead of boarding his previously scheduled flight to South Carolina. According to several reports, the two-term governor is likely to announced the suspension of his campaign later today.
Rubio, meanwhile, was in South Carolina Wednesday morning ready to hit the campaign trail.
“We’re going to give [Rubio] a boost in South Carolina,” Gowdy said Wednesday, indicating he’s eager for the next primary to take place in his home state on Feb. 20.
