SALT LAKE CITY — GOP presidential candidate Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Utah Monday.
Rubio is set to host a rally in the Pioneer Building at the Utah State Fairpark Monday afternoon. Doors will open at 4:15 and the rally is scheduled to begin at 4:45. Click here for more information on the rally.
As Rubio makes his Salt Lake City stop, some of Utah’s top political leaders say they are backing his run for the White House.
Utah Lt. Governor Spencer Cox announced his support over Twitter.
“I am excited to announce that Abby and I are officially joining #TeamRubio! We can’t wait to welcome @marcorubio to Utah tomorrow,” Cox said in a tweet.
Rubio acknowledged Cox’s support on his own Twitter account before arriving in Utah Monday morning.
“As we head out to Utah for today’s big rally, I’m happy to announce the endorsement of @SpencerJCox, UT’s Lieutenant Governor!,” Rubio tweeted.
“There`s a couple reasons that I specifically focused on Senator Rubio,” Lt. Gov. Cox said, in an interview with Fox 13.
He said the senator attracts more people to the Republican Party, and communicates incredibly well.
Cox thought Rubio rose above the rest of the candidates.
“This wasn`t an easy decision, there are a lot to choose from,” Cox said, about the number of candidates. “I’m looking for someone that unites people instead of tries to divide the country more.”
You’ll find the same comments coming from Congressman Chris Stewart, who planned to be by Rubio’s side much of the day.
“People appreciate that he`s young and dynamic, and brings something different to the table,” the Republican Representative from Utah said.
Solidifying their support- Rubio’s stop in Salt Lake City. He spent his day attending a business roundtable luncheon to talk Utah’s economy.
In between that and the rally, scheduled meetings. Both politicians said they like that Rubio’s paying Utah some attention.
“We`re a flyover state and have been for a long time,” Cox said. “I think it means a lot to people that he would come.”
But, is Utah paying attention to Rubio?
A quick look at his fundraising stats shows Rubio doesn’t have a lot of cash coming from this area. The latest numbers show it’s above the $20,000 mark.
Despite the low show of fundraising interest, Cox said he expects many will take another look at Rubio after this trip.
Plus, one of Rubio’s big items on the itinerary includes a private fundraising event after the rally Monday evening.
“I think it`s interest that`s growing and that`s what we`re seeing here,” he said. “That`s one of the reasons he decided to come out here.”
The night before Rubio landed in Utah, supporters held a sign-making party in Sandy. Partygoers said they’re excited to have a presidential candidate visit the Beehive State.
“It’s huge, especially because Utah is not one of the early primary states. But Utah’s voice is important and it’s a really exciting time for us be able to not only hear from a presidential candidate, but hopefully have our voices heard, as well,” said Andy Pierucci, a Rubio supporter.
Watch FOX 13 News and fox13now.com for updates on Rubio’s visit.
