Rubio Picks Up Top Romney Aide

Though Jeb Bush and Scott Walker have assumed the early lead in the top tier of Republican presidential candidates, Sen. Marco Rubio’s middle-of-the-pack standing has not deterred him from continuing to build a top-notch organization.

Telegraphing that he is still serious about a White House bid despite pressure from fellow Senate Republicans to the contrary, Team Rubio announced this week the hiring of Rich Beeson, a top-level Romney adviser in 2012.

Insiders revealed that Beeson may likely serve as Deputy Campaign Manager, according to the Washington Post’s Philip Rucker and Robert Costa. Beeson brings to the table a deep-level of grassroots and organizational expertise which he employed in getting Romney the nomination in the last cycle.

Beeson joins a handful of former Romney aides in what is expected to be the first of many as Team Rubio has aggressively courted Romney’s inner circle since the days following the former governor’s announcement that he will not seek the nomination a third time.

According to insider indications, Rubio will officially announce his presidential campaign next month after his organization and initial donor support network have been secured.