An exuberant Sen. Marco Rubio declared his strong finish in the South Carolina primary Saturday signaled the GOP presidential contest had become "a three-person race," and that as a child "of the Reagan Revolution," he was "ready to assume the mantle of leadership."
"Those of us who grew up when Ronald Reagan was in the White House are ready to do for the next generation what Ronald Reagan did for ours," the Florida lawmaker said.
"The children of the Reagan Revolution are ready to assume the mantle of leadership."
Rubio also hailed crucial supporters, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott, recalling the governor's background as the daughter of immigrants from India, and the African American GOP senator as the son of a single mother — and hailing them as "21st century conservatives."
And he said he, as a 21st century conservative, is now "one step closer to becoming the 45th president of the United States."
Rubio also praised his one-time mentor, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who suspended his campaign after his third poor finish in the early voting states.
"I have an incredible affection and admiration for Governor Bush," he said. "He has many things to be proud of," including a history as "the greatest governor in the history of Florida."
"I pray that his service to our country has not ended… and [thank him] for running a campaign based on ideas," he added.
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