Boston Herald - Rubio Touts "New Ideas' 
in N.H. Amid Leap in Poll

News Article

By Chris Cassidy

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio tried to portray himself as a political outsider last night during a house party here as he kicked off a two-day swing through the Granite State and a new poll showed his popularity rising.

"This election is about going in a different direction," Rubio said in the backyard of a farm. "If we just keep electing the same people with the same ideas, nothing is going to change.

"We must now turn the page as a party and as a country," he added.

"The time has come to open the way to leaders with new ideas that are relevant to the discussions, the challenges and the 
opportunities of the 21st century."

By Chris Cassidy

Rubio has been accused of trying to have it both ways in the 2016 GOP primary fight -- boasting leadership experience as a senator, while trying to remain an outsider in an election season that so far has rewarded anti-establishment candidates such as real-estate mogul Donald Trump, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.

"I've been there long enough not to fall in love with it, but long enough to know it's broken," Rubio said of his nearly five years in the Senate.

A new Public Policy Polling survey released yesterday shows Rubio in third place nationally. Trump leads the way with 27 percent and Carson is next at 17 percent in the poll.

Rubio jumped up with 13 percent -- nearly doubling his 7 percent showing in the same poll five weeks ago.

Rubio previously had remained stable throughout the campaign, and one GOP strategist suggested to the Herald last week that Rubio is trying to time his peak in the polls for 
primary season.

"I want to be successful in February and March when people are voting," Rubio said last night when asked when he expects to make a move.

Rubio shook hands with attendees last night for 45 minutes, navigating hay bales in the pitch black.

Today he is scheduled to tour and hold an employee town hall meeting at DYN in Manchester, then host 
additional town hall meetings in Dover and Wolfeboro.

His campaign was also the recipient of a gag gift from Trump this week -- a 24-pack of Trump Ice 
Natural Spring Water, complete with The Donald's face on it.

"Since you're always sweating," read a note to Rubio's Washington campaign office, "we thought you could use some water. Enjoy!"

Rubio responded: "I heard it's very high-quality water."

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