In the aftermath of Marco Rubio deciding to run for a second term in the Senate, one of the most prominent Republicans on foreign policy threw his support to the former presidential hopeful and Congressman Ron DeSantis for a third term.
Former UN Amb. John Bolton endorsed Rubio and DeSantis on Thursday, praising their records and supporting them through his namesake PAC.
"Marco Rubio has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the United States during his time in the Senate,” said Bolton. "He is one of the most powerful voices in the areas of foreign affairs and national security, and we cannot afford to lose his presence at a time when our nation is facing terrorism at home and abroad. Due to his track record and experience, and my great concern for our nation's security, I am supporting Senator Rubio for re-election to the United Sates Senate.”
Bolton also threw his support to DeSantis. When Rubio jumped back in the Senate race on Wednesday, DeSantis bowed out of the primary to run for a third term in the House. Bolton praised the congressman’s work in Congress in his endorsement.
"As chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Ron DeSantis' voice has been critical in keeping America safe," Bolton said. "We cannot afford to lose his leadership in Congress, and Ron has my endorsement and a contribution from the John Bolton PAC, which gave $10,000 to his campaign. Ron has a bright future in Florida politics, and I will support him as he continues to serve this nation's interests and the people of his district in the House of Representatives."
The subject of presidential buzz back in 2012 and this election cycle before deciding not to run both times, Bolton has active backing other Republicans in the Sunshine State. Calling U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the former chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and now in charge of the House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, a leader on foreign policy, Bolton is backing her efforts to win another term. He also is behind Mario Diaz-Balart for another term, insisting the South Florida Republican understands the need for strong national security policy. Bolton is also backing Carlos Curbelo, the South Florida Republican who is expected to face a major challenge from the Democrats in November.
In 2014, Bolton supported Curbelo, DeSantis, Diaz-Balart and Ros-Lehtinen for reelection but he also backed Congressman Steve Southerland’s unsuccessful effort to hold off Democratic challenger Gwen Graham and former state Rep. Carl Domino’s failed bid to defeat Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy.
Bolton, whom former President George W. Bush appointed as ambassador to the United Nations for 16 months -- despite never winning confirmation in the U.S. Senate -- has raised the possibility that he would be open to a presidential campaign to highlight foreign-policy issues. On most issues, Bolton, who identifies himself as influenced by the likes of former President Ronald Reagan and former GOP presidential candidate Barry Goldwater is a reliable conservative but he does break left on some issues, including backing same-sex marriage.
While well-respected by Beltway Republicans, Bolton has never held elective office, though he did serve in the Justice and State departments under Reagan and George H.W. Bush, eventually rising to serve as assistant secretary of state for International Organization Affairs. He served as under-secretary for Arms Control and International Security in George W. Bush’s first term, before being named to the U.N. post.
