The steady drumbeat for Marco Rubio keeps going on and on. Today he is picking up the endorsement of Congressman Mike Pence.

Congressman Pence said, “I am proud to endorse Marco Rubio for the United States Senate. Marco Rubio’s faith in free markets, limited government and traditional moral values make him the right choice for Republicans in this race. At a time when the American people long for leaders of principle, Marco Rubio will be a courageous check and balance on the current Washington establishment.

“With Washington spending money we don’t have and empowering the government at the expense of individual freedom, we need more leaders like Marco Rubio who are willing to take a stand for the common sense and common values of the American people.”

His full endorsement press release is below the fold. How long before someone starts a Draft Pence-Rubio 2012 website?

Miami, FL – Congressman Mike Pence (IN-06), who currently serves as House Republican Conference Chairman, today announced his endorsement of Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate.

Making today’s announcement, Pence said, “I am proud to endorse Marco Rubio for the United States Senate. Marco Rubio’s faith in free markets, limited government and traditional moral values make him the right choice for Republicans in this race. At a time when the American people long for leaders of principle, Marco Rubio will be a courageous check and balance on the current Washington establishment.

“With Washington spending money we don’t have and empowering the government at the expense of individual freedom, we need more leaders like Marco Rubio who are willing to take a stand for the common sense and common values of the American people.”

Welcoming Pence’s endorsement, Rubio said, “Mike Pence’s professional and political careers have been defined by his thoughtful advocacy of conservative principles. I am proud to have Congressman Pence’s support and look forward to working with him in Washington to promote freedom at home and abroad.”

About Congressman Mike Pence: Pence was first elected to Congress in 2000. Now in his fifth term, he was elected unanimously to serve as House Republican Conference Chairman during this Congress. In this role, he helps develop and disseminate the message of the Republican Conference and promote its Members. He also continues to drive a number of legislative initiatives, including the Broadcaster Freedom Act, the Free Flow of Information Act, the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act, and the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act.

During the 109th Congress, Pence served as Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, the leading voice for advancing conservative social and economic issues in Congress. He has also emerged as a national spokesman for conservative principles. The American Conservative Union honored him in 2006 with the Courage Under Fire Award, which recognizes those who have stood for principle when doing so puts them at risk physically, politically or economically.

Pence began his career in radio broadcasting in 1992, with “The Mike Pence Show” airing weekdays on 18 stations throughout Indiana. He also hosted a Sunday morning political television show in Indianapolis from 1995-1999. He was born in Columbus, Indiana, graduated from Hanover College in 1981 and earned his J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law in 1986. Pence and his wife Karen have three children and reside in Columbus, Indiana.