Fearing then-Gov. Charlie Crist’s money, clout and popularity, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., nearly quit the 2010 Senate race, the Associated Press reports.
In an autobiography set to be released next week, “An American Son,” Rubio details his struggle, saying that Crist’s money advantage and popularity nearly convinced him that he could not win.
Rubio is considered one of the prime choices that Mitt Romney has for a running mate, and has become an important voice in the Republican Party.
Rubio writes that there was great pressure to quit when he was well behind in the polls and lacking campaign funds, according to the AP. He thought he might instead run for state attorney general.
Rubio ultimately decided to stay in, according to the AP, because he was asked about a rumor that he was dropping out, which led him to believe that Crist’s campaign had found out about his plans and was pressuring him to get out, which angered him.
"I crossed the bridge and burned it behind me. There was no way back and no way out but forward," Rubio wrote.
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