Former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson is almost certain to become the next Secretary of State, thanks to a lukewarm endorsement from the most pivotal senator in the confirmation process.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, that he would back the native Texan for the post as the chief American diplomat.
"In making my decision on his nomination, I must balance these concerns with his extensive experience and success in international commerce, and my belief that the president is entitled to significant deference when it comes to his choices for the cabinet," Rubio wrote. "Given the uncertainty that exists both at home and abroad about the direction of our foreign policy, it would be against our national interests to have this confirmation unnecessarily delayed or embroiled in controversy."
"Therefore, despite my reservations, I will support Mr. Tillerson鈥檚 nomination in committee and in the full Senate," Rubio said.
Rubio's announcements comes after he during the nominee's confirmation hearing earlier this month, challenging him on human rights and on his ties to Russia.
Rubio, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, could have thrown obstacles toward the nomination at the committee level. Two other key GOP senators, U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John McCain of Arizona, announced Sunday .
They, too, gave measured support. But the overriding sense among many of Tillerson's critics is that an alternative nominee could prove more problematic to their concerns.
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