Rubio’s non-helpful endorsers:  Marco Rubio has bad luck with endorsers. First it was Rick Santorum earlier this month who, on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, couldn’t name any accomplishment of Rubio’s while he was in the Senate. Santorum ended up saying he didn’t think it was a “fair question.” Now, a newer endorser, Rep. Cresent Hardy is having the same problem. Politico said Hardy was asked “to point to one specific thing he has seen over the course of the last year from the Florida senator that, as MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts asked, “demonstrates presidential character.”

“On the Hill, I have not seen that. He’s been running for a presidential race most of this year,” Hardy said. “As far as his policies in the past, I know that he’s done some things that even have been a little frustrating for an individual like myself at times.“

Sandoval says No Thanks: Nevada Republican Gov Brian Sandoval has taken his name out of the running as a Supreme Court justice nominee. The rumor came out yesterday that he was being considered for the position. The Hill reports Sandoval “…was contacted by the White House but does not “wish to be considered this time for a possible nomination.”

Penguins on treadmills: These aren’t our scientists. Ours prefer putting shrimp on treadmills. These scientists are from the Univ. of London. The Guardian tells us some of the new information obtained:

“Fat king penguins are unsteady on their feet while waddling compared to their slimmer counterparts.”

And this shocker…

“Sometimes the penguins were lazy and ‘water-skied’ on the treadmill by leaning their back on the back wall of the treadmill. That is obviously not good for the data collection.”

Rubio To Attend CPAC: Wednesday afternoon word came Marco Rubio will be attending CPAC.  He is scheduled to speak Saturday morning. CPAC runs 2/2 -2/5/2016 and takes place at National Harbor, Md.

Speaking of events: I would be remiss here if I didn’t toss in The 2016 RedState Gathering is Aug 12-14 in Denver, Colorado. Plenty of time to save up for it. Speakers have not been announced yet but click here for more info on the host committee, early bird registration fee, hotel information and other helpful stuff.

POLLS! As of this writing there are 4 polls on Texas out today. One from Survey USA, one from Monmouth, one from Austin American Statesman and a fourth from KTVT/CBS. Remember 3 came out yesterday as well. Here’s the RCP Average: Cruz leads with 34 percent; Trump has 26.8; Rubio is at 18.2; Kasich 7% and Carson 5.4 percent.  There is also a Florida poll out , one from Pennsylvania and a national.

• Quickhits: Roughly 45% of  US households will pay no federal individual income tax, according to 2015 tax year data  from the Tax Policy Center
• 10th GOP Debate Tonight:  Debate starts at 8:30 ET on CNN. It takes place in Houston, TX. Wolf Blitzer is moderator.
• The former Mexican President had some choice words about ” that wall” we’ve heard so much about. He and Trump seem to speak the same language.
• Today is  Pistol Patent Day!  How did we get a special day for this? Check out the link. (Hint: Samuel Colt)

Quote of the day: Former KKK leader David Duke urges listeners to his radio show to get out and support Trump.

“When this show’s over, go out, call the Republican Party, but call Donald Trump’s headquarters, volunteer. They’re screaming for volunteers. Go in there, you’re gonna meet people who are going to have the same kind of mindset that you have.”

That’s the water Cooler!  The place for late breaking news you find unless you want to put up a lengthy diary. A place to drop bits of interesting stuff you found elsewhere. Or bad jokes that have found no other home. In short, comment on what you’ve read here or drop something new. No such thing as a threadjack. Since ‘coolers are always Open Thread.

* All emphasis mine