Floridian Senator Marco Rubio announced his candidacy for a 2016 presidential run on Monday, April 13th. Does he represent what the Republican party has been looking for? Read on to find out.
Marco Rubio was born to Cuban parents Mario and Oria. The two left Cuba in 1956 during the oppressive regime of Fulgencio Batista. They returned to Cuba several times after coming to America in the hope of moving back. The couple longed to live there again but, due to communistic tensions rising, opportunity was greater in the states. His father became a bartender and a school crossing guard. His mother took up jobs as a hotel maid and Kmart employee in Las Vegas. Other locations the family lived in were New York and Los Angeles. The Rubio family then moved to Miami and it was here where Marco was born and the family was established.
Rubio’s college education consisted of several different schools. He attended Tarkio College in Missouri for one year on a football scholarship and went off to Santa Fe College in 1990. It was at University of Florida where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. His fourth college destination was University of Miami where he received his Juris Doctor and graduated cum laude. Rubio went on to study law, but seemed to resonate towards politics. He interned for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida’s Cuban-American Congresswoman, and assisted in promoting Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign.
Rubio’s political journey began in 1999 when he filled in the seat for the 111th House District in Florida’s House of Representatives. The seat had been left vacant by Carlos Valdes and was granted to Rubio after a run-off election by 64 votes. In 2002 Rubio was appointed House Amjority leader and continued his term in the House. Rubio’s strong familiarity with the Florida political structure allowed him to write a book titled 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future. A major idea in this book included overhauls on the Florida tax system that would reduce property tax and decrease government power.
Marco Rubio initiated his Senate term in 2010, winning the election against Republican Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek. Much of the legislation he passed during this time was based on reducing the federal government and extending tax credits for businesses investing in research and development. He also assisted in formulating a cohesive plan on immigration reform in 2013.
Back in 2012 Rubio gave a speech to the RNC as an introductory piece to Mitt Romney. It was here when he first used the phrase “American Miracle”. The phrase was once again used in his candidacy speech. This choice of terminology is no different than the “American Dream” except that it reflects a conservative candidate with strong religious ideologies. Rubio believes that family, not government, is the most important institution of society and human life deserves the strictest sense of protection. Asides from preaching on religious adages of Republican politics, Rubio sees himself as the key to progress. In his eyes, past leaders have operated under 20th century ideolgies and acted as obstacles to a fully realized national identity. Rubio’s own ideals intend to create this identity and thrust the nation forward with legislation that includes tax code reformation, spending control, and modernizing immigration laws. He also has suggestions for educational reform as well. A specific plan allows investors to cover college students’ tuition in exchange for a percentage of their future earning.
Rubio, at only 43, appeals to the younger generation of voters, a fact that may aid him in capturing the younger population. His fluency in Spanish and his stance on immigration are also key aspects that may capture the ever-growing Latino vote. However, some voters may see him as unexperienced and a moderate with no defined identity in the Republican party. In order to win, Rubio needs establish a stronger identity and capitilize on the Latino demographic.