Huckabee endorses Rubio for Fla. Senate seat

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is endorsing Marco Rubio for Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

Rubio is considered an underdog for the 2010 nomination for the seat Republican Sen. Mel Martinez is vacating. Rubio's challenging Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who has a substantial lead in early polls.

Huckabee was popular among conservatives during last year's Republican presidential primary.

He called Rubio an "energetic, articulate, principled conservative." He also said the 38-year-old former Florida House Speaker has an unlimited future.

Several Washington Republicans were quick to endorse the first-term Florida governor.

Huckabee said that could work in Rubio's favor, saying, "The last thing most people in any state want is someone who is going to be a member of the club."