SEATTLE - We all heard the phrase "when one door closes, another opens," and for 53-year-old Senator from Florida Marco Rubio, the popular saying could not be more true. Eight years ago, he missed out on the chance of being elected as the Republican presidential nominee for 2016. More recently, many people believed Rubio was a top candidate to be Donald Trump's running mate for the 2024 elections, which eventually went to Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. But Florida Republicans argue that there is another door that could open for Rubio, as they see him as top contender for another high-profile job in a future Trump administration.
Florida Republicans told the Miami Herald that they believe Rubio, U.S. Senator for the state of Florida since 2011, to have both the experience and foreign policy chops to lead the U.S. State Department. They argue that his deep foreign policy experience and his amicable relationship with Trump make him a prime contender to serve as a diplomat for one of the country's most important job.
Earlier this week, Eric Trump, who serves as the executive vice president of his father's business, the Trump Organization, told Florida Republicans gathered at an event near the Republican National Convention that Rubio was an "incredible guy" but was ultimately passed over in favor of Vance, as his father felt a "special chemistry" with the Ohio Senator.
Emilio Gonzalez, a former Miami city manager and U.S. Customs and Immigration Services director under President George W. Bush, is another Republican that has shown support for Rubio arguing that he is "eminently qualified" for the job. "Senator Rubio has developed an incredible international expertise," Gonzalez said. "He's been very consistent throughout the years on things like American exceptionalism, international human rights, promoting democracy around the world."
Brian Hughes, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, told the Miami Herald that Rubio is "a great supporter and friend" of Trump, adding that he "will continue to play a role in this movement all the way to November."
Hughes also added that "speculation of anything beyond November is a game we won't play, and decisions like these will be made by President Trump after we win on November 5th."
In the U.S., the length of the confirmation process for cabinet positions has varied in recent years. It took 61 days for the Senate to confirm Joe Biden's cabinet, while Donald Trump and Barack Obama had all of their cabinet secretaries confirmed in 87 and 98 days, respectively.
Palm Beach County commissioner Michael Barnett told POLITICO that the prospect of Rubio serving as Secretary of State could be positive, saying that he could lead on issues from the border to Cuba policy. "My understanding is he's always been supportive of President Trump, especially during his four years, on matters involving South America, Central America," Barnett said.
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