CNN's 'State of the Union': Former Sen. Trent Lott Tips His Cap to Marco Rubio

Former Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss. turned CNN commentator Candy Crowley's attention from skepticism on tea-party-supported candidates to excitement for them by praising Florida U.S. Senate nominee Marco Rubio.

"Wait a minute here. Let's look at another candidate who has the tea party's support, Marco Rubio. I've been impressed with Marco Rubio for a long time," Lott said of the Miami Republican. "Now, here's a guy who was the speaker of the House in Florida. He already understands how to move policy along. He's not going to come in here cold ..."

Lott and former Sen. Dick Armey, R-Texas, were Crowley's guests on her Sunday morning show "State of the Union."

A Sunshine State News Poll revealed Wednesday that in the U.S. Senate race Rubio, a tea-party favorite, has a double-digit lead over U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democrat, and Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running without party affiliation.