Wamp backs Rubio as presidential nominee, issues warning to GOP

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.

NASHVILLE - Former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, who is heading Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio's GOP primary efforts in Tennessee, warned Monday the party could could lose the White House for decades if Republicans don't choose the right nominee.

"I'm gravely concerned that if this election doesn't go right, that our party may not win the White House again for the rest of my life, and I'm 58 years old," said the one-time 3rd Congressional District congressman in a Nashville news conference, flanked by Rubio supporters running as delegates.

photo Contributed PhotoZach Wamp

Among them are six state legislators, including House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga.

Wamp told reporters the nation's "demographics have changed. Millenials are the largest generation in American history, and we need as a party a transformative candidate that can lead our country and bring people together and reach out to the next generation."

He said Rubio, a freshman and Hispanic U.S. senator from Florida, is "a transformative leader for our country that will be strong in foreign policy and national security and resolute and lead in this very difficult times."

Besides McCormick, other Republican state lawmakers running as Rubio delegates include Sen. Becky Duncan-Massey of Knoxville, the sister of U.S. Rep. John Duncan; Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby. Kelsey is also serving as West Tennessee chairman of the Rubio effort.

Wamp contended the Rubio campaign has recruited and largely vetted the "deepest" field of delegates and will have a full slate of 82 running statewide or by congressional district.

McCormick said Rubio "is the one who can win the election. And it's so important that we win the election here."

Tennessee has become a routine stop on the presidential campaign trail with the state among 12 set to hold primaries or caucuses on Super Tuesday, which will take place March 1.

Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com, 615-255-0550 or follow via twitter at AndySher1.

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