Marco Rubio makes one last push for caucus with Ames stop

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio speaks to supporters at the Scheman Building Jan. 30. The Florida senator urged Americans to get out and vote, stating that the Republican party could not afford to lose this election. “If you elect me, we will embrace the principles that make America great,” he said.

Travis Charlson

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Republican presidential hopeful, laid out his plans for the country to a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd Saturday at the Scheman Building in hopes of gaining support ahead of the Iowa caucuses.

Rubio finds himself on the outside looking in, chasing frontrunners Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. A late push from supporters who are looking to pick up undecided voters for Rubio would help him in Monday’s caucus. 

Rubio has used a charismatic and a fresh-faced approach to appeal to conservatives and claims that he has the best chance of winning in a general election. 

“Hillary Clinton does not want to run against me,” Rubio said, “I cannot wait to run against Hillary Clinton.”

Rubio, who’s crowd numbers are growing and has now set his eyes on the general election, tailored his message to reach a broader range of independents and undecided voters and backed it with a promise to unify the GOP.

“If he becomes the next Republican candidate, it would be awesome,” said Mitchell Cook, sophomore in horticulture. “If he becomes the next president — even better.”

Rubio has also said he is the candidate who can bring together the Republican Party.

“We can’t win it if we are divided,” Rubio said. “We’re gonna bring the conservative movement together.” 

Rubio touched on his personal story and recent experience with student loans in his speech — something that has become synonymous with the Florida senator’s message throughout the campaign. 

That, along with his serious-yet-easy-going delivery, has his supporters optimistic about his chances come caucus night. 

“He made some jokes and showed he was a personable guy,” said Nick Houlne, freshman in business. “I really liked what he said about the state of the country.”

Houlne remains optimistic, regardless of his 15 percent poll number.

“I’d really like to see him become our next president,” Houlne said.

Rubio will made stops in Urbandale, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls and Davenport throughout the weekend before stopping in Des Moines at the Marriott Downtown to celebrate with supporters after the Iowa caucuses.