Minnesota will hold its precinct caucuses on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

As a former Republican state senator, I used to attend area caucuses to gain support for my party’s endorsement. But this year, my top reason for attending my caucus is to support my favorite Republican presidential candidate, Marco Rubio.

Rubio impresses me with his conviction and humility, his ability to connect to people, his embrace of the Constitution and free enterprise, his fiscally conservative positions, his support of our military, his desire to protect the unborn and society’s most vulnerable, and his determination to provide current and future generations of Americans with freedom and opportunities.

He is an optimistic candidate running a positive campaign, and I believe he can lead our country toward positive change.

We can’t sit out this caucus. This year’s Republican straw poll for president is a binding vote that will influence how many delegates each candidate receives from the Minnesota delegation elected to attend the National Republican Convention where the endorsement will take place. If you are an eligible voter in general agreement with the principles of the Republican Party and plan to vote for a Republican for president in November, it is important you attend – each vote counts.

You can find your precinct caucus location by going to www.caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us.

I hope many of you will join me in support of Marco Rubio at the Republican caucuses March 1. Don’t stay on the sidelines when there’s so much at stake in this fall’s election.

Claire Robling

Jordan