MIAMI, Fla-  Another Bush is backing Marco Rubio in the Florida GOP battle for U.S. Senate. In a statement released today, George P. Bush announced that he is officially endorsing Rubio in the race. Bush joins his brother Jeb Bush Jr., who placed his support behind the former speaker of the Florida House in May of last year.

The move was an expected one.For months,the Bush brothers have been scheduled to host a private fundraiser in Coral Gables for Rubio, but their connection to him goes beyond tonight’s event. The two are sons of former Florida governor Jeb Bush, and part of the political dynasty that has produced two American presidents. Rubio has close ties to the Bush family in Florida, and considers the former governor, who is still popular in the Sunshine state, a political mentor. The elder Bush has yet to announce his endorsement for either Rubio or his opponent, current Governor Charlie Christ, in what has become a tight 2010 race. There has been speculation that Jeb Bush could publicly support Rubio nearer to the August primary election, for greater impact.

“I’ve known Marco Rubio for years and saw what he could do during the six years he spent working alongside my father promoting ideas and reform-based conservatism.  He is a rock-solid conservative and the leader Floridians deserve in the U.S. Senate to advocate for limited government and greater personal freedoms, ” George P. Bush said in the statement emailed out by the Rubio campaign Thursday afternoon.

“Marco’s deeply rooted principles and can-do spirit will make him a powerful voice on behalf of those who want to hold Washington accountable for its excesses while offering bold solutions to our nation’s challenges.”

In the same release, Rubio  said he was “proud” of Bush’s endorsement:

“Bush is a rising star who is carrying on his family’s great tradition of defending and promoting the Republican ideals we hold dear.  As a businessman, family man and public servant, George P. Bush understands firsthand what our state and nation have at stake in the coming election.  I am proud to have his support as we work to get America back on a limited government track.”