Saturday’s visit to Ronnow Elementary School, where Rubio attended as a child, represents the first solo campaign event for the vice presidential prospect. In recent days, close Rubio allies — former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Romney adviser Al Cardenas — have urged the presidential hopeful to tap the freshman senator for the No. 2 job.
But most pundits believe Romney will go with a safer pick, such as former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty or Ohio Sen. Rob Portman.
Still, the 41-year-old Rubio generates enormous enthusiasm among conservatives, and the Cuban American senator could help shore up support for Romney among Hispanics, a group that overwhelmingly favors President Barack Obama.