The emergence of the tea party movement is arguably the most dynamic element of the 2010 midterm elections. Many 'tea party' candidates won the backing of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin – but also earned the disdain of the Republican establishment. In the end, which candidates with tea party support won, who lost, and what's next?
Sen.-elect Marco Rubio (R) of Florida thanks supporters in Coral Gables, Fla. after winning his senate bid Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Marco Rubio, a 39-year-old Cuban-American, earned a decisive victory over Gov. Charlie Crist, and Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek in the Florida US Senate race.
Rubio is not only a tea party favorite but also seen as young Republican rising star, who has been called the "Barack Obama" of the GOP.
Rubio is a fiscal conservative who campaigned on reinstating Bush administration tax cuts and reducing corporate taxes.
Rubio was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000 and won each of his re-election bids. In 2006, he was elected Speaker of the Florida State House.
Rubio replaces retired Sen. Mel Martinez, also a conservative Cuban American, who once served as chairman of the Republican Party.