Marco Rubio holds pre-Super Tuesday rally in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Marco Rubio skipped the Nevada caucus to hold a pre-Super Tuesday rally in Minnesota. The Republican presidential candidate and Florida senator took the stage at the Hyatt in downtown Minneapolis as part of a three-legged campaign tour.

Donald Trump is still leading nationally in the polls, but Rubio’s strong finish in South Carolina has given his campaign new life and serious momentum.

“That’s how we are going to win,” Rubio said. “This cannot be about nominating someone just to make a point.”

Since Saturday, Rubio has picked up a number of key endorsements, including former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Sen. Norm Coleman. Monday night, Rep. Erik Paulsen jumped onboard, and Rep. John Kline joined the campaign three weeks ago.

The state campaign is chaired by Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson. Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum is onboard along with former gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert. Commissioner Johnson said their support is critical as the campaign seems to change by the hour.

Rubio told the crowd in Minneapolis that he is the only one who can unite the party, but it can only do that if he wins and that ultimately it’s up to them.

The March 1 Minnesota caucuses are coming up fast. Minnesota is critical to the Republican candidates this year because of some rule changes that allow them to take the delegates they win here to the national convention. This race has also been so fractured that, in the end, every delegate could make a difference in deciding the eventual nominee.