Rokita backs Rubio; Carson touts pope

If Rep. Todd Rokita has his way, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will be the GOP's presidential nominee.

And if Rep. Andre Carson gets to pick next year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Pope Francis will be headed to Oslo.

Those are the public endorsements made by Indiana lawmakers this week in contests that are beyond their control.

In backing Rubio for president, Rokita said the son of a bartender and a hotel maid "understands the importance of preserving the American dream for future generations better than anyone else."

"Marco's uplifting vision for a new American century is what our country needs, and I look forward to helping him in the Hoosier State," the Indianapolis Republican said in a statement.

Rokita is the first Republican member of Congress from Indiana to back a presidential candidate.

Carson, D-Indianapolis, announced his support for Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton this summer.

Carson, one of two Muslims in Congress, was also among the 36 House members who sent a letter Monday to the Norwegian Nobel Committee nominating Francis for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize.

"With unsurpassed eloquence, humility and compassion, the pope has used his pulpit to exhort people and nations around the world to conduct their affairs with spirituality, morality and integrity," the lawmakers wrote.

Contact Maureen Groppe at mgroppe@gannett.com or @mgroppe on Twitter.