Rubio lands fifth lawmaker endorsement

Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) announced his support for Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioHillicon Valley: Trump takes flak for not joining anti-extremism pact | Phone carriers largely end sharing of location data | Huawei pushes back on ban | Florida lawmakers demand to learn counties hacked by Russians | Feds bust 0M cybercrime group Huawei says inclusion on US trade blacklist is in 'no one's interest' Frustrated GOP senators want answers from Trump on Iran MORE for president on Monday, giving the Florida Republican his fifth endorsement from a lawmaker on Capitol Hill.

“As the son of a bartender and a hotel maid, Marco Rubio understands the importance of preserving the American Dream for future generations better than anyone else, and I'm proud to endorse him for President,” Rokita said in a statement first obtained by The Hill. “Marco’s uplifting vision for a New American Century is what our country needs and I look forward to helping him in the Hoosier State.”

Rubio has also been endorsed by Reps. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Chris StewartChristopher (Chris) Douglas StewartA new age for tobacco — raising the age to 21 is a smart move Barr testimony opens new partisan fight over FBI spying on Trump Hill-HarrisX poll: 76 percent oppose Trump pardoning former campaign aides MORE (R-Utah), and Thomas Rooney (R-Fla.). Rooney is so far the only member of the House Republican delegation from Florida to back Rubio over his in-state rival, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Bush leads all of the Republican candidates in lawmaker endorsements, having landed support from three senators and 20 members of the House, including 11 of Florida’s 17 Republican representatives.

While Bush leads Rubio in establishment support and has raised more money, Rubio has moved slightly past Bush in the polls since the last Republican debate.

Rubio now sits in fourth place nationally at 9.5 percent support, according to the RealClearPolitics average, followed by Bush, at 8.3 percent.

Three political newcomers — brash billionaire Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpComey: Barr is 'sliming his own department' GOP Mueller critic says Flynn contacted him during special counsel probe: report Acting DHS secretary threatened to quit after clashing with Miller: report MORE, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former businesswoman Carly Fiorina — lead the GOP pack.