Marco Rubio's Florida Senate Campaign On Hold Following Death Of His Father

AP/ Huffington Post -- MIAMI -- Republican Marco Rubio has placed his Florida Senate campaign on hold temporarily following the death of his father. Mario Rubio passed away Saturday night after a long battle with emphysema and lung cancer, the Rubio campaign said in a statement today. He was 83.

"He was by far the most unselfish person I have ever known, always focused on others, and never on his own well being. He was especially determined to provide his children opportunities he himself never had," Rubio said in a statement.

The candidate was forced Friday to cancel a debate with Democrat Kendrick Meek on "Meet the Press" because of his father's declining condition. Meek extended his condolences, saying political differences took a back seat to caring for family.