Rubio lands fifth lawmaker endorsement

Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) announced his support for Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioNikki Haley: New York Times ‘knew the facts’ about curtains and still released story March For Our Lives founder leaves group, says he regrets trying to 'embarrass' Rubio Rubio unloads on Turkish chef for 'feasting' Venezuela's Maduro: 'I got pissed' 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 StewartMan arrested for shouting into Utah Republican's mic at debate Dem says he'll investigate Trump money laundering allegations if House flips Interior Department should not remove the ovaries of wild horses 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 TrumpSunday shows preview: Trump sells U.N. reorganizing and Kavanaugh allegations dominate Ex-Trump staffer out at CNN amid “false and defamatory accusations” Democrats opposed to Pelosi lack challenger to topple her MORE, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former businesswoman Carly Fiorina — lead the GOP pack.