Marco Rubio to give GOP response to Obama’s State of the Union

Chris Moody
·Political Reporter

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio will deliver the official Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address next week in both English and Spanish, party leaders announced on Wednesday.

"[Rubio] carries our party’s banner of freedom, opportunity and prosperity in a way few others can. His family’s story is a testament to the promise and greatness of America,” said House Speaker John Boehner in a statement. “He’ll deliver a GOP address that speaks from the heart to the hopes and dreams of the middle class; to our party’s commitment to life and liberty; and to the unlimited potential of America when government is limited and effective.”

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who joined the Senate in 2011 after launching an underdog campaign for the seat, quickly positioned himself as a leader of Republican efforts to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. He's considered within the party to be a possible presidential contender in 2016.