Marco Rubio Turns His Eyes to South Carolina

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., won national attention for his win in the 2010 election cycle and started generating buzz that he could wind up on a Republican presidential ticket in 2012 or down the road.

CNN reported late on Monday that Rubio will be heading to South Carolina -- which traditionally holds the first Republican presidential primary after Iowa and New Hampshire have their say -- to offer the keynote speech at the state GOPs Silver Elephant Banquet on May 19. The event, which will be held in Columbia, ranks as one of the largest Republican events in the Palmetto State.

Rubio announced earlier this week that the publication date of his new book, "An American Son," will be moved up to June 19 -- leading to increased speculation that he could wind up on the GOP ticket in the vice presidential spot.