U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio 'seriously considering running for president'

Fla. senator says he'll have 'decision to make fairly soon'

MIAMI – U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., confirmed Monday what has already widely been reported -- that he is "seriously considering running for president."

"We'll have a decision to make fairly soon," Rubio told reporters after speaking to graduates of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses initiative at Miami Dade College.

Rubio hasn't budged on the subject since a Rubio aide told ABC News last month that Rubio "told them to proceed as if he is running for president."

Rubio is hiring veteran Republican fundraiser and strategists, has skipped Senate votes recently for campaign trips and this week begins a national tour for his book, "American Dreams," in cities where the first presidential caucuses or primaries will be held.

Local 10 News reporter Glenna Milberg asked Rubio what will be the criteria for his decision to seek a presidential bid.

"The final criteria that I need to decide is where is the best place to serve this country at this time in my life and in my career, and when we're ready to make that announcement, we will," Rubio said. "It will be with plenty of time to run a successful campaign if I decide to run for president."

Rubio said he hadn't seen last week's Mason-Dixon poll indicating that 57 percent of Floridians would rather see him run for reelection in the Senate compared to just 15 percent for president. Another 28 percent were undecided.

"If I had listened to polls, I never would have run for the Senate," Rubio said.

Rubio also said a presidential run by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush would not sway his decision.

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About the Author:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."