New York Republicans Including Day Jump on Rubio Campaign

Thirty Republican and Conservative Party elected officials and office holders in New York on Thursday endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign.

The endorsements from members of the state Senate, Assembly and county leaders was announced by Rubio’s New York campaign chairwoman, Staten Island Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.

“We are excited to announce this list of New York leaders who have joined Marco’s growing team from around the nation and who believe Marco Rubio is the person to lead the United States into a New American Century. There is strong support across New York State for Marco Rubio’s vision and plan to achieve a job-creating economy, strong national security, and preserve the American Dream,” Malliotakis said in a statement. “Marco’s consistent performance in the debates, along with his unique depth of knowledge about foreign affairs and national security issues, make him the clear choice to unite and represent the Republican Party and, ultimately, defeat Hillary Clinton next year.”

Endorsing Rubio on Thursday includes nods from Rockland County Executive Day, Long Island Sen. Phil Boyle and Assemblymen Marc Butler, Andrew Garbarino, Chad Lupinacci, Dean Murray and Anthony Palumbo.

Rubio was also endorsed by four GOP county chairs: Albany’s Christine Benedict, the Bronx’s John Greaney, Broome County’s Bijoy Datta and Chemung County Chairman Rodney Strange.

New Yorkers in the presidential race include former Gov. George Pataki, who has struggled to gain traction in the polls, and front-runner Donald Trump.

Ed Day said, “Marco Rubio is the candidate who will stand up for the principles that we hold dear. He is a proven leader who makes things happen. He’s the innovative leader we need now more than ever in Washington. Senator Rubio has a deep understanding of the critical issues confronting our nation today, and he is the only candidate who can go into the general election with a united Republican party.”