Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will deliver the GOP response to President Obama’s State of the Union address, as announced by Republican leaders on Wednesday.
Following Obama’s televised speech next Tuesday, Rubio will deliver the Republican response, in Spanish as well as English. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) chose the Floridian because he is “a strong advocate of conservative principles,” according to the press release.
“Sen. Rubio, now in his third year in the U.S. Senate, has been a champion of growing the American middle class through limited government and free enterprise policies, making him a natural choice to outline why the Republican vision can help Americans rise above their current circumstances in the Obama economy,” the release said.
Boehner wrote in the release that Rubio “is one of our party’s most dynamic and inspiring leaders” and tweeted that he is “proud” to announce the pick.
Proud to join Senate GOP Ldr McConnell in announcing @marcorubio will deliver #GOP Address to the Nation on 2/12 #SOTU 1.usa.gov/WPeCBg
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) February 6, 2013
Rubio also tweeted his excitement about his selection.
I am honored to be chosen to deliver #Republican Address in response to #SOTU next Tuesday shar.es/YHtne #gop #tcot #sayfie #sotu
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 6, 2013
Rubio’s selection could indicate big things for the current frontrunner in the hunt for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination, yet its not without its potential risks. The speech has the potential to hinder the Senator’s ambitions if it doesn’t go well.
Other possible 2016 presidential candidates have delivered the GOP response in recent years. Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels spoke in 2012, Rep. Paul Ryan spoke in 2011, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gave the response in 2010 and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal gave the address in 2009.
