NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is endorsing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for the Republican presidential nomination.
The popular second-term governor says he decided to endorse Rubio because he thinks he has the best chance to beat the Democratic nominee in November.
In Haslam's words: "Conservatives need a candidate who inspires Americans from all backgrounds."
Tennessee is among 11 states holding their Republican presidential primaries on Tuesday, when the biggest single-day haul of delegates will be up for grabs.
Tennessee's 58 delegates are the third-most available on Super Tuesday. Candidates must earn at least 20 percent of the vote to earn a proportional share.
Tennessee Republicans have shied away from establishment candidates in the last two primaries, choosing former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum in 2012 and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in 2008.
