Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) endorsed Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio today, according to the Rubio campaign. Pence serves as the Republican Conference Chairman -- the third-ranking Republican in the House -- and briefly considered a Senate candidacy of his own this year.

Here is Pence's statement in full:

"I am proud to endorse Marco Rubio for the United States Senate. Marco Rubio's faith in free markets, limited government and traditional moral values make him the right choice for Republicans in this race. At a time when the American people long for leaders of principle, Marco Rubio will be a courageous check and balance on the current Washington establishment.

“With Washington spending money we don't have and empowering the government at the expense of individual freedom, we need more leaders like Marco Rubio who are willing to take a stand for the common sense and common values of the American people."

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) was the first member of Congress to endorse Rubio over Gov. Charlie Crist, who was endorsed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee within minutes of formally entering the race.

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