On the heels of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry's endorsement of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has received the support of a former governor of his own.
Former New York Gov. George Pataki announced his endorsement of Rubio on Tuesday, calling him the best candidate to bring Americans together.
"We have had a president who has divided us for political benefit. Hillary Clinton is always dividing us for her benefit. Donald Trump is dividing us so he gets the benefit," Pataki said in an appearance on Fox News.
"Marco Rubio's going to bring us together, make us understand we're all Americans for the common future, and I'm proud to endorse him," he added. "And I don't intend to just endorse. I'm going to do everything I can to help Sen. Rubio win this election."
Pataki, who ended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in December, had some harsh words for GOP frontrunner Trump.
The former governor described some of Trump's comments as outrageous and bigoted and said the real estate tycoon is not fit to have his finger on the nuclear button.
Pataki also argued that picking Trump as the Republican presidential nominee would allow Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton to be elected president.
"These are dangerous times and people across America are desperate for strong leadership," Pataki said. "But name calling and trading insults is not a substitute for leadership and it will not usher in a new American century."
He added, "Fortunately, Republicans who want to win have a conservative alternative in Marco Rubio - a person who will not only unite our party, but defeat Hillary Clinton in November."
Pataki, who has not held office since 2006, failed to gain much traction in his presidential bid and most polls showed him with support of 1 percent or less.
His endorsement could still provide a boost for Rubio, who is running third nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics average of polls.
(Photo Credit: Michael Vadon)
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