MIAMI (AP) – Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio’s slow-go campaign strategy is puzzling party operatives in Iowa and New Hampshire, states where voters are used to candidates showering them with attention early and often.
While some GOP hopefuls are already highlighting their progress toward visiting all of Iowa’s 99 counties, Rubio’s return to the state this week marks his first stop in the caucus battleground in a month. The Florida senator hasn’t traveled to New Hampshire, home to the first-in-the-nation primary, since July 4, though he is expected to return before the end of August.
“You’ve had some of the others who have worked it a lot harder,” said Richard Schwarm, a former Iowa GOP chairman who is uncommitted in the 2016 race. “I don’t think it’s too late. But I think he should step up the appearances here because we are wide open.”
Fergus Cullen, a former New Hampshire GOP chairman who has yet to back a candidate, said that while Rubio benefits from “goodwill and interest,” his infrequent appearances in the state have cost him early endorsements.
“He would have more if he spent more time here,” Cullen said.