RUBIO RISING – AT 11:19 A.M. ET:  Okay, I like the guy, so I'm prejudiced.  At the same time, I argue that there's a reason Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is rising as quickly as he is.  Although he's formally ruled out a run for the presidency in 2012, such declarations can easily be shredded if the opportunity presents.

One thing I like about Rubio is his common sense, leading to a clear view of strategy.  Consider this, from The Politico:

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has sent a letter to Senate leaders calling for an explicit approval of American force against Libyan strongman Muammar Qadhafi in an attempt to force his regime from power.

Rubio told "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace that Qadhafi must be forced from power to avoid either a stalemate that could weaken the state and expose it to terrorist elements, or allow Qadhafi to beat the rebels fighting against him.

Good common sense.

On whether or not the United States should use ground troops, Rubio said: “I don’t think you go into a military engagement saying what you will not do. The United States has plenty of capabilities both overt and covert to help us in this goal of getting rid of Muammar Qadhafi.”

More common sense.  I've been appalled at how Field Marshal Obama has telegraphed every move we've made in Libya, providing foes with an outline of what we will and won't do.  What kind of military strategy is that?

He also said that “as long as Qadhafi is in power, you can’t protect civilians or prevent genocide."

Obvious.

Pressed on whether he’d support ground troops, Rubio said that the Libyan rebels didn’t want them, and that it wasn’t “the ideal scenario.”

COMMENT:  I get reader e-mails claiming that Rubio is too young and inexperienced to run for president.  These are legitimate concerns.  But, I must tell you that, every time Rubio speaks, he does so with a maturity and sense of judgment that outdistances older and more seasoned officeholders.

I believe that the GOP needs an exciting, vote-drawing candidate to win against the Obama machine in 2012.   It is not going to be easy.  Rubio should at least be considered, especially if he builds a solid record in the Senate during this year.

April 3, 2011