Reuters: Florida's Rubio a star, but an unlikely VP pick

[WI_DEM]

Reuters) - He could be the Republican vice presidential candidate from central casting: telegenic, Hispanic and a fiscal conservative who has been embraced by the Tea Party.

That is why Florida Senator Marco Rubio is presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich's top choice as a running mate - at least he is this week, with Gingrich about to battle Mitt Romney in the Sunshine State's Republican primary on Tuesday.

But Rubio may not be as coveted as Gingrich or Romney would have it appear as they press for votes in Florida, where more than 450,000 Hispanics identify themselves as Republicans.

Despite his reputation as a watchdog over federal spending, Rubio, 40, has had significant financial problems that could keep him from passing any vetting process as a potential vice presidential choice, Republican and Democratic strategists say.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/26/us-usa-campaign-florida-rubio-idUSTRE80P09620120126

[onehandle]

1. I hope this is true, because if not, he'll be President in 2016.

Unless my dreams for Elizabeth Warren come true.