With such a large, wide-open presidential field in 2016, Rubio could emerge as a top contender. But he’s also risking a promising Senate career and the opportunity to run for president again in the future if he flames out too early. And while his family has told him they’re on board, he’d have to give up time with his young children to run.
“He’s very much a family man and spends a ton of time with his wife and kids. He’s as passionate about coaching his son’s football team as anything else in his life,” said a source familiar with Rubio’s thinking. “[But] I think if he didn’t have to put his Senate seat up he’d definitely be in.”
Rubio has said he’ll make an official announcement about whether he’ll run for the presidency or seek reelection soon. Those close to him expect he’ll make a decision “sometime in the next few weeks or couple months.”
Some initially speculated that Rubio would struggle to raise the needed money to run for president after his mentor, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), started making strong moves towards a campaign. But in the era of super-PACs, mega-donors and increased money in politics overall, a cash shortage isn’t likely to be what forces serious candidates out of the race.
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