When Senator Marco Rubio (R) decides to either leave the U.S. Senate to run for President again or go into the private sector, he will undoubtedly leave big shoes to fill.
Rubio has been criticized by many diehard Trump supporters of not toeing the line for the president, but Rubio has and at the same time, stayed true to himself and his beliefs.
Yeah, Rubio has disagreed with President Trump on some issues here and there, but so has Sen. Ted Cruz (D) and other conservative Senators, including of all people, Sen. Rand Paul (R).
But finding Rubio’s successor, if he decides not run for reelection in 2022, may not be all that difficult for Florida Republicans considering the potential suitors that could be waiting in the wings.
Remember, Florida is a veteran and active duty-heavy state, so having military experience would be a big plus for any candidates.
Oh, and to be a successful statewide candidate in Florida, you need to have the charisma and be able to raise a whole lot of money.
Rep. Brian Mast (R), the wounded combat veteran, whose story of recovery and perseverance touches at everyone’s hearts, has already had the discussion with close advisors about a possible run for Rubio’s seat.
Mast would play well statewide.
Freshman Rep. Michael Waltz (R), the decorated U.S. Army Green Beret Reservist, would also be another good pick for Republicans.
Waltz checks all the boxes, having served overseas and seems to be a fixture on Fox News to discuss foreign policy and anything military.
But one Floridian that stands out as being Rubio’s successor is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), arguably the most popular Florida representative among Republicans, and the most hated congressman among Democrats.
Gaetz is loathed by progressives like Alyssa Milano, who has trolled him no less than three times for supporting President Trump and his administration.
Like Waltz, Gaetz is a fixture on Fox, but exceeds anyone else, including Rubio himself, as far as actual air time on the network.
Gaetz doesn’t have military experience, but he is likable, he is controversial, he is not afraid of calling out House Democrats on the floor of the House or in committee. But most importantly, Gaetz is one of President Donald Trump’s go-to legislators and would probably already have the president’s blessing locked up.
Rubio could even step down a bit early and leave it to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to pick someone to finish out his term, a move that would help that appointee build up his Senate bona fides and support leading up to election day.
We saw this happen in 2010 when then-Gov. Charlie Crist appointed George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate when Sen. Mel Martinez (R) stepped down.
If this were to happen, Gaetz’s stock would rise considerably.
He would be the odds-on favorite considering that he and DeSantis are close and both men have President Trump on speed dial.
