Washington, DC – In response to Marco Rubio’s announcement that he will run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“As Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign gets underway, expect him to try and portray himself as a bold, new leader with fresh ideas. But the truth is – as those of us in Florida know all too well – he’s simply peddling the same stale, harmful wares that the rest of the Republican Party is selling.

“At every opportunity, Rubio has revealed his true colors – taking outdated positions that match up with the Republican base instead of doing what’s best for his constituents and the country. Rather than propose a serious tax plan that aims to grow the middle class and expand opportunity for all Americans, his plan is a GOP wish list – slashing taxes for those at the top and shifting the burden onto working Americans. He even went so far as to run away from his own immigration plan when the most extreme wing of his party put pressure on him, and he supported shutting the government down to deny people quality health care, costing our economy $24 billion.

“Rubio says he’s a new type of Republican, but the only things he’s ever championed are the same failed policies the public has already rejected, and the only cause he’s ever advanced is his own.”