Rubio Wins Support From Ga. For National Security Stance

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio speaks to supporters in Buckhead, Georgia.

JOHNNY KAUFFMAN / WABE

Rep. Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming, took the stage before Rubio. 

He said, “There’s nobody I trust more in this campaign to handle this nation’s security.”

Rubio gave a stump speech that addressed North Korea, Russia and reached its climax with harsh criticism of the Iran nuclear deal.

“The Iranians run by a radical Shia cleric will also develop a nuclear weapon because of this recent deal the president is ramming down our throats,” Rubio said.

Republican efforts to block that deal in Congress have failed. The Obama administration says it will begin the process to relieve sanctions on Iran next month if the country meets its obligations to curb its nuclear program.

Rubio also spoke about the U.S. economy. He stressed the need for more vocational training programs.

“We don’t train welders anymore; we don’t train airplane mechanics anymore,” he said. “There are pockets of excellence, even here in Georgia, but not enough around the country, and as a result we are leaving people behind.”

Rubio had harsh words for the Iran nuclear deal. The Florida senator has gained a number of endorsements recently from Georgia politicians including Congressman Austin Scott who voiced his support Monday for Rubio’s stance on national security issues.