House Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (Ga.) is backing former state Speaker Marco Rubio for the GOP Senate nomination.

“I have full confidence Marco will stand with Republicans against big government disasters like the stimulus and ObamaCare,” Price said in a Wednesday news release.

“The last thing we need in the Senate is someone who will abandon our party and undercut our efforts to limit government and take care of taxpayer dollars,” Price said.

Rubio is vying for the nomination against Gov. Charlie Crist, who took heat in conservative circles for his efforts to work with President Barack Obama on his economic stimulus legislation.

Rubio previously had been endorsed by other key conservative leaders in Congress, including House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (Ind.) and Republican Sens. Jim DeMint (S.C.) and James Inhofe (Okla.).

The winner of the primary will likely face Rep. Kendrick Meek (D) in the general election.