Will Marco Rubio run for president in 2012?

For many observers, the charismatic Floridian seems like a natural fit for higher office. But could he challenge Obama so soon after becoming a senator?

Newly elected Florida senator Marco Rubio, pictured here with his mother and family, is the the 39-year-old the son of Cuban exiles.
(Image credit: Getty)

Marco Rubio nailed the Florida senate race on Tuesday, easily trouncing independent Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek in a much-dissected contest. The charismatic, telegenic, and pious Rubio has oft been mentioned as a potential "Face of the Tea Party," and even before his widely praised victory speech on Tuesday night, speculation was rife that the small-government adherent might consider running for higher office — and possibly soon. After Rubio's speech, Sarah Palin commented that Rubio is "potentially a presidential candidate someday." But could that day, as some pundits say, come as early as 2012?

Why wouldn't he run? "This guy has serious momentum," says Will Heaven at The Telegraph, "comparable even to Barack Obama’s leading up to the 2008 presidential election." Granted, a couple of things are working against against any 2012 hopes Rubio might have — "he's only 39" and "Sarah Palin may have other ideas" that year. Those factors aside, based on his "ruthless gutting of Governor Charlie Crist," Rubio clearly has the potential.

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