WASHINGTON: On second thought, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will not be attending the GOP convention this month.
Rubio had been planning to attend the confab in Cleveland but now joins a long list of Republicans who seem to be calculating it’s better politics to stay away.
It’s another way presumptive nominee Donald Trump is breaking the rules of politics — instead of providing coattails for down-ballot lawmakers hoping to share his stage, he seems to have little to offer them.
A Rubio spokeswoman said the senator decided to spend his time closer to home now that he is running for re-election.
‘‘Florida has always been a competitive state and it will be this fall,’’ said Olivia Perez-Cubas. ‘‘Marco had planned to go to the convention before he decided to seek re-election. Since Marco got into the race late, he will be in Florida campaigning and meeting with voters instead of going to Ohio.’’
The change of plans was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
Rubio decided to seek another term rather than retire, as planned, after his failed presidential bid. Fellow GOP senators pressed him to run to help their odds of keeping control of the Senate.