Kendrick Meek Offers Thoughts and Prayers for the Rubio Family

U.S Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democratic candidate in the U..S Senate race, was supposed to debate former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate, on Sunday mornings Meet the Press on NBC. Rubio pulled out last week due to his ailing father, who has since passed away.

"Since learning of the news on Friday morning, I along with my family have kept Marco and his family in our prayers, said Meek in a statement Sunday morning. The passing of a father occurs only once in a lifetime and ever the dutiful son, Marco was where all children would hope to be during this time of family need -- at his dad's bedside surrounded by family. That Marco's father could come to this country with next to nothing, raise a loving and growing family to include a son who is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida, is a testament to the strength of the Rubio character and proof positive of the greatness of this nation. Political differences take a back seat to the priority at hand -- caring for a mother and spending time with family. Let mourning be combined with celebration for a life that is exceptionally American, a life that only a handful of people have ever lived. My wife Leslie, our children, and my mother Carrie extend our condolences to you Marco and your family."