The National Federation of Independent Businesses just endorsed former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the likely Republican nominee, in the race for the U.S. Senate.

“For nearly a decade we have worked closely with Marco Rubio as he has defended and supported small businesses in the state Legislature,” said NFIB Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle on Monday morning. “Rubio has a nearly 100 percent lifetime pro-small-business voting record with NFIB, which is easy proof that he is the right candidate for small business.

“I’m proud to stand with the NFIB and their 10,000 small-business members in Florida,” said Rubio. “Small businesses need a voice in Washington who will be a check-and-balance against the policies that are taking our country in the wrong direction and putting up obstacles to job creation. We need a pro-growth and pro-jobs agenda that helps small businesses, not hurts.”