Marco Rubio, Wife Have a Need for Speed, Records Show

While many have said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, has put the pedal to the metal to accelerate his political career, it seems he and his wife have a propensity for doing the same behind the wheel.

The presidential hopeful from Florida and his wife, Jeannette, have racked up a total of 17 traffic citations since 1997, according to a New York Times investigation. It seems Jeannette Rubio is more accustomed to seeing flashing lights in the rearview than her husband. She is responsible for 13 of those 17 violations, the Times notes.

The couple has collectively agreed to attend driving school on four separation occasions, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Marco Rubio’s troubles behind the wheel began before his political career launched. It seems he was cited for careless driving back in 1997. He’s also been cited for speeding, running a red light and failing to stop at a sign, the Times noted. Jeannette Rubio’s citations include a number of speeding claims and she’s faced license suspension on three separate occasions.

All told, the couple has paid out more than $1,000 in fines since 1997, Time.com reported.

News of the Rubios’ driving escapades broke Friday, just one day after fellow Floridian and Republican Jeb Bush announced that he had a big announcement coming for the public on June 15. Speculation is that will be the day when the former Florida governor will officially announce his candidacy for the White House. Rubio announced weeks ago.

Twitter users were quick to defend the Rubios.

“Re: Mr. and Mrs. Marco Rubio’s traffic tickets – have any of you actually been on the road in Miami,” asked Michael Roston in response to the New York Times’ tweet on its investigative piece.