Marco Rubio: I Respect Scott Walker’s ‘Difficult Decision’ to Drop Out

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio reacted to Governor Scott Walker’s decision to drop out the race, praising the Wisconsin governor as “one of the best governors in the country.”

“Scott Walker is a good man who entered the presidential race after winning three grueling campaigns in four years,” Rubio said, pointing not only to Walker’s victory in his recall election in 2012 but his re-election campaign in 2014.

Rubio appeared to reach out to Walker supporters by praising the governor’s decision in a crowded Republican field. “I know many people are disappointed with Scott’s announcement and I respect what a difficult decision it must have been,” Rubio said.

During his withdrawal speech, Walker hit a sour note, disparaging the presidential debate that “drifted into personal attacks” and was not focused on “an optimistic view of America.”

Rubio frequently pounds home his optimistic view of America in every campaign speech in an effort to differentiate himself from the more pessimistic views of other candidates in the field.

In his speech, Walker unusually suggested that other experienced conservatives in the party should drop out of the race so that they could compete with billionaire candidate Donald Trump, a position that Rubio likely wants to fill.

The Florida senator had nothing but praise for Walker, calling him “one of the best governors in the country.”

“I have no doubt that he’ll continue the fight for conservative principles,” Rubio continued. “Republicans are lucky to have Scott on our team, and I wish the best to him and his family.”