Courtesy of Samantha Nelson
Sen. Rubio spoke at the Yellowhammer News GOP Forum Saturday in the Leslie Wright Center at Samford University.
Presidential hopeful Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) made a stop in Homewood Saturday to speak in advance of the March 1 primary.
Yellowhammer News hosted a forum for Republican candidates in the Leslie Wright Center at Samford University on Saturday. All remaining candidates were invited to the forum, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who was originally planning to participate but cancelled late Wednesday.
A nearly full auditorium welcomed Rubio to the stage, where the candidate spoke about what he sees as “extraordinary frustration about the future of our country” and his plans for championing the “conservative movement.”
After his initial speech, Rubio was interviewed by Yellowhammer CEO Cliff Sims, who asked specific questions about the candidate’s views on issues ranging from terrorism and cyber security to women joining the selective service for the military.
While the event was not sponsored by the university, members of Samford’s Student Government Association also asked the senator questions, including on the state of higher education and on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Alabama State Senator Cam Ward (R-14), an alumnus of Samford’s Cumberland School of Law and recent endorser of Rubio, said he was glad to see presidential candidates coming to the state.
“I think by Senator Rubio coming it shows that he takes Alabama seriously,” Ward said in advance of the event.
Ward also said he thinks it shows the quality of Samford University, and that he hopes Rubio’s visit will inspire students and Homewood residents to investigate the candidate’s message.
Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said Friday he also thinks Rubio’s visit shows that Alabama will play a larger part in Tuesday’s primary.
While the event was not sponsored by the City of Homewood, McBrayer said he was proud of the fact that Rubio was making a stop in the community.
“It’s great for us as a community,” he said, even if the largest headlines will say Rubio stopped in “Birmingham.”
“Make no mistake, he’s in Homewood,” he said.
