Rubio: Convention Fight ‘Recipe for Disaster’

(Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Sen. Marco Rubio said all of the things you’d expect in a TV interview explaining his decision to back Mitt Romney for president.

The Florida Republican said Romney offers “such a stark contrast” to President Barack Obama’s record, adding that “I have zero doubt in my mind that Mitt Romney will govern as a conservative.”

But it’s what else Rubio said during the interview on Fox’s “Hannity” that caught my attention. Rubio appeared to set about very purposely to shoot down the notion — currently being promoted by former Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) and ex-Sen. Rick Santorum (Pa.) — that a contested or brokered nominating convention would be good for the Republican Party’s chances of defeating Obama on Nov. 6.

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Marco Rubio Endorses Mitt Romney

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Nearly two months after the Florida primary, Sen. Marco Rubio endorsed Mitt Romney for president.

In an appearance on Sean Hannity’s show on Fox, the first-term Florida Republican said Romney had “earned this nomination” and criticized talk of an open convention.

“I think that’s a recipe for delivering four more years of Barack Obama,” he said.

As a Hispanic lawmaker from a key swing state, Rubio has been discussed as a vice presidential candidate since he won election to the Senate in 2010. Full story

North Carolina: Killian Picks Up McCain Endorsement

State Rep. Ric Killian, an Army Reserve colonel running in a crowded GOP primary in the Tar Heel State’s 9th district, picked up the endorsement of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) today.

“Leaders need the courage to make hard choices for the long-term benefit of our country. Ric has shown that kind of courage throughout his lifetime of service,” McCain said in a statement released by the Killian campaign. “His experience in business and the legislature make him the best candidate for this seat and I am proud to support him, but it is his record of duty, honor and service to our country that will make him an outstanding Congressman.”

A McCain aide confirmed the endorsement to Roll Call. Killian co-chaired a Veterans for McCain coalition in North Carolina in 2008.

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Indiana: Club for Growth Backs Ex-Rep. McIntosh

The Club for Growth backed former Rep. David McIntosh’s (R) comeback bid in Indiana’s open 5th district today.

“David McIntosh has long been a champion of economic freedom, and we are excited to endorse his candidacy,” Club for Growth President Chris Chocola said in a statement.

McIntosh is in a crowded field of GOP candidates seeking retiring Rep. Dan Burton’s (R) seat in central Indiana. The club’s support will only boost the former Member ahead of the May 8 primary. Full story

California: Speier Backs Hahn Over Richardson

Rep. Jackie Speier (above) has endorsed Rep. Janice Hahn, who is battling Rep. Laura Richardson in a Democratic primary in California. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Rep. Jackie Speier (D) is the third sitting Member to endorse Rep. Janice Hahn in her race against fellow Democratic Rep. Laura Richardson in the redrawn 44th district.

“I’m very proud to strongly back her re-election campaign because I know that she’ll continue to advance the causes that her constituents care about,” Speier said of Hahn, who is heavily favored in the race. Full story

North Carolina: Club for Growth Backs Keadle in 8th District

The powerful pro-free-market Club for Growth endorsed former Iredell County Commissioner Scott Keadle in the Republican primary race to take on vulnerable Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.). Full story

New York: Grace Meng Nabs Local Party Nod for Ackerman Seat

The Queens County Democratic Organization endorsed state Assemblywoman Grace Meng for the open Queens-based 6th district seat Monday.

Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D) will challenge Meng in a primary in the strongly Democratic district. Full story

Maryland: Washington Post, MoveOn.org Endorse in 6th District

The Washington Post endorsed John Delaney in Maryland's 6th district Democratic primary. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

The endorsements keep coming in Maryland’s 6th district Democratic primary, with the top two contenders each scoring notable support in recent days.

Businessman John Delaney earned the support Sunday from the editorial board of region’s most influential newspaper, the Washington Post. Meanwhile, state Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola announced that MoveOn.org is backing his candidacy.

The two men are currently engaged in what has become a largely negative primary. Almost daily, one campaign or the other releases negative opposition research on his opponent’s record. The primary is April 3.

Ohio: Marco Rubio Stumps for Josh Mandel

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (above) has endorsed Josh Mandel for Senate in Ohio. (Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Fresh off last week’s GOP primary victory, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel announced Monday the backing of Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), the first-term Republican’s first Senate endorsement of the 2012 cycle. Full story

Illinois: Eric Cantor Backs Adam Kinzinger Over Don Manzullo

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (center) waded into a Member-vs.-Member primary fight today. (Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call)

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor today threw his weight behind freshman Rep. Adam Kinzinger in his primary fight against fellow Republican Rep. Don Manzullo in Illinois’ 16th district.

The Virginia Republican endorsed Kinzinger in a joint statement with Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.). “Adam Kinzinger is hands down the candidate the conservative cause needs to win the primary for Congress on March 20th and he has our enthusiastic endorsement for a second term in Congress,” the two lawmakers argued.

Although the statement does not directly name Manzullo, who has served 10 terms in the House, Cantor and Shimkus take a glancing shot at their colleague. Full story

Massachusetts: Scott Brown Gets Olympia Snowe Endorsement

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

In a boost to his independent brand, Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) today got the endorsement of retiring Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine).

“In an institution characterized by gridlock and partisanship, Scott Brown is a much-needed breath of fresh air,” Snowe said in a statement released by the Brown campaign. “During the last two years, I have worked closely with Scott and have come to appreciate his independent spirit and bipartisan outlook.” Full story

New Jersey: John Lewis Backs Pascrell Over Rothman

Rep. Bill Pascrell (above) was endorsed by Georgia Rep. John Lewis in his New Jersey race against Rep. Steven Rothman. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Georgia Rep. John Lewis is the first to take sides in New Jersey’s Democratic Member-vs.-Member race, backing Rep. Bill Pascrell over Rep. Steven Rothman.

“Bill Pascrell is my friend and my brother,” Lewis said in a statement. “I serve on the Ways & Means Committee with him. We work together. I have visited his district. He is a hard working and dedicated Member of Congress. He speaks up and speaks out for the people he serves. He deserves the help and support of all the people of his district.”

Ohio: Tom Hanks, Bob Dole and John Dingell Endorse Marcy Kaptur

Actor and producer Tom Hanks, who greeted World War II veterans at the National World War II Memorial in 2010, has endorsed Rep. Marcy Kaptur. (CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Yep, you read that headline correctly.

Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) are supporting Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) in her primary against Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) next week.

While the trio might appear to be an unusual one, Kaptur’s team boasts she worked with all three to build the National World War II Memorial. Full story

Massachusetts: Scott Brown Backs Richard Tisei’s House Bid

Sen. Scott Brown (above) endorsed fellow Massachusetts Republican Richard Tisei in his House campaign. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Former state Sen. Richard Tisei (R), who is taking on Rep. John Tierney (D) in Massachusetts’ 6th district, got the endorsement of Sen. Scott Brown (R) on Monday. Full story

Utah: Carl Wimmer Nabs Another Conservative Blessing

Carl Wimmer, one of three top candidates in the GOP primary to challenge Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah), has picked up another conservative endorsement. Full story