Sen. Marco Rubio Kicks Off Presidential Campaign

Sen. Marco Rubio officially ended all speculation Monday evening, announcing his intention to seek the White House in 2016.

Speaking from Miami’s Freedom Tower, the first-term Republican painted a picture of American exceptionalism and spoke to the need for the country to move beyond the past to forge a “new American century” of leadership.

“Too many of our leaders are stuck in the 20th century,” Rubio said. “They’re busy looking backwards. Our leaders put us at a disadvantage by taxing and borrowing and regulating like it was 1999.”

Rubio roughly outlined a platform that includes “reversing the hollowing out of our military,” strengthening the country’s educational system, repealing and replacing Obamacare, addressing immigration reform and ending “dangerous concessions to Iran,” among other points.

“I have come here tonight to make an announcement on how I can best serve you,” he said. “I announce my candidacy for the president of the United States.”

Rubio’s Monday announcement came one day after Democrat Hillary Clinton officially announced her candidacy for the 2016 race.

Read more about Rubio’s announcement on Bradenton Patch.