In his own words: Marco Rubio on his mentor-turned-rival Jeb Bush

WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio and former Florida governor Jeb Bush once shared a tutor-protege bond, but now they are rivals fighting for the same political donors and support from the Republican leadership.

As their presidential campaign rivalry heated up, their relationship soured.

Here are some things the first-term senator has said about his erstwhile mentor:

—”Jeb was still immensely popular in the state. If he were to run, no one would challenge him in the primary — certainly not me.” — Rubio in his 2012 book, “An American Son,” explaining that he’d never have run for the Senate had Bush sought the seat.

—”He’s been a huge influence, probably as much as anybody.” — Rubio in 2007, in the Tampa Bay Times.

—”For years, the driving force behind all significant policies in the state government had been the vision of the man I most admired in Florida politics: Gov. Jeb Bush.” — Rubio in an “An American Son.”

—”Jeb was the gold standard to Florida Republicans.” — Rubio in an “An American Son.”

—”Someone has convinced you that attacking me is going to help you. My campaign is going to be about the future of America, it’s not going to be about attacking anyone else on this stage.” Rubio, to Bush, in Wednesday’s Republican debate.

—”I will continue to have tremendous admiration and respect for Gov. Bush. I’m not running against Gov. Bush, I’m not running against anyone on this stage. I’m running for president because there is no way we can elect Hillary Clinton to continue the policies of Barack Obama.” — Rubio, in the debate.