Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio received yet another endorsement on Thursday, and it's from a governor who's among the potential names for vice president.

A New Mexico Endorsement

Rubio's latest endorsement is from Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez. In a statement released Thursday morning, Martinez will campaign with the Florida senator in Kansas and Florida on Friday and Saturday.

"Marco Rubio is a compelling leader who can unite the country around conservative principles that will improve the lives of all Americans," said Martinez. "The stakes for our great country are too high -- and the differences between the candidates too great -- for me to remain neutral in this race. I wholeheartedly trust Marco to keep us safe and ensure a better tomorrow, and I look forward to campaigning with him later this week."

According to Rubio's campaign, she will campaign with the Florida senator for two rallies in Oklahoma on Friday and one scheduled in Jacksonville on Saturday.

A Vice President Pick?

Martinez has been the New Mexico governor since 2010, becoming the state's first female governor and the first Latina elected governor across the country. She has not spoken about working in a Rubio administration, but has already received the endorsement from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), a non-partisan organization promoting economic growth and development for nearly 4.1 million Latino-owned businesses.

"As New Mexico's first female governor and the first Hispanic female elected governor in the United States, Governor Martinez turned the largest structural deficit in New Mexico's history into a surplus, without raising taxes and while protecting key priorities like education and health care," said USHCC President and CEO Javier Palomarez on Jan. 29.

"She's tirelessly advocated for job creation in New Mexico by supporting critical industries in her state. A principled and pragmatic leader, Governor Martinez easily won re-election in 2014, with 48 percent of the Hispanic vote in a state that leans Democrat. Governor Martinez has been a standard bearer within the Republican Party in championing diversity and inclusion," added Palomarez, adding she is an "admirable public servant."

The USHCC has also endorsed a Democrat for vice president, recommending U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro.

The Road to March 15

The campaigning in Florida will be key for Rubio's aspirations to win the Republican Party's nomination. Kansas is among four states hosting either a primary or caucus. Kansas, Kentucky and Maine will host caucuses, while Louisiana has a primary. On March 6, Puerto Rico will have its Republican presidential primary. But perhaps the most important state for Rubio is his home state: Florida.

The Sunshine State will have its primary on March 15, and unlike most primaries and caucuses, Florida is a "winner take all" state. If Rubio wins Florida's primary, he will win all of its 99 delegates.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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