Marco Rubio files first for S.C. GOP presidential primary

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida Monday became the first 2016 candidate to officially file to run in the state’s GOP presidential primary.

Rubio said he looked forward to being in South Carolina often before the first-in-the-South primary, to be held Feb. 20.

Rubio also quipped about Donald Trump who gave out the cell phone number of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca, last week. “Why don’t I give out his (Graham’s) new number?”

Rubio then went on to say there will be a serious campaign about the issues that confront the United States and the world. “Then, voters are going to choose.”

Asked if he would vote for Trump if the business mogul wins the GOP nomination, Rubio said he will support the Republican nominee. Rubio added he hopes he is that nominee.

“We’re going to have a nominee that stands for the things this party has always stood for – economic upward mobility and opportunity, a strong national defense, and a nation that’s the most respected and powerful on earth.”

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Marco Rubio files first for S.C. GOP presidential primary."