Inhofe backs Rubio over Crist

Conservative Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has endorsed former Florida state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) in Florida's open Senate race.

Inhofe's endorsement means he will oppose the NRSC-back candidate in the race, Gov. Charlie Crist (R).

“Like me, Marco believes that the federal government works best when it returns dollars, decisions and freedom to our local communities and families," Inhofe said in a statement. "In the Senate, Marco will stand up for America’s taxpayers, not with President Obama and dangerous big government spending."

The Inhofe endorsement comes a week after Rubio announced raising a strong $1 million in the third quarter. His campaign appears to have new life, as Crist's standing as the presumptive nominee begins to be called into question.