Jeb Bush has long been described as a mentor to Marco Rubio.
But now that they are competitors — with Bush joining his protege in the Republican race for president on Monday afternoon — Rubio is welcoming his “friend” into the contest.
“In politics, people throw around the word ‘friend’ so much it often has little real meaning,” Rubio said in a statement released by his campaign. “This is not one of those times.”
“When I call Jeb Bush my friend, I mean he is someone I like, care for and respect,” the Florida Republican said. “He and I have worked closely together for many years, on issues big and small. He is a passionate advocate for what he believes, and I welcome him to the race.”
Bush, who has raised tens of millions of dollars this year for a super PAC that will support his bid, is expected to announce his entrance into the presidential race in Miami on Monday afternoon.
Rubio, who was the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate, joined the Republican presidential race in April.