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Sen. Rubio Puts VP Rumors To Rest

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says the job he has now is just fine for him.

Speaking at a political forum in Washington, Rubio denied ongoing rumors he is going to be the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2012.

"I'm not going to be the vice presidential nominee," said Rubio.

Rubio's explanation is simple: he is  focused on being a U.S. senator.

Rubio said he didn't run for the Senate "to have a launching pad for another job."

The Cuban-American Rubio, who has been mentioned frequently as a vice presidential prospect, had been seen as a potential draw for the critical Hispanic vote.

Asked if he would turn it down, if asked, Rubio said: "Yeah, I believe so." And he later said: "The answer's going to probably be no" then amended himself, laughing. "The answer's going to be no."

The Washington Ideas Forum was sponsored by The Atlantic magazine and the Aspen Institute.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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