Bush ‘disappointed’ Haley didn’t endorse him

Jeb Bush expressed disappointment that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is backing presidential rival Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

“I’m disappointed,” the former Florida governor said after a campaign stop in the Palmetto State, according to multiple tweets from reporters.

The campaign praised Haley in a statement and predicted she’d rally behind Bush when he wins the GOP nomination.

{mosads}”Nikki Haley is a talented Governor, Jeb is proud to have worked with her over the years and respects her decision,” spokeswoman Allie Brandenburger said in a statement.

“That said, this race is about Jeb Bush being the only candidate in the field with a proven conservative record, detailed plans and the ability to defeat Hillary Clinton, which is what this party and country needs.”

Haley’s endorsement comes as Rubio looks to pull away from Bush ahead of Saturday’s primary. Polls show Rubio hanging around third place, with Donald Trump in the lead, followed by Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) in second.

Rubio and Bush are battling to be the establishment standard-bearer and the Florida senator has touted the backing of several key South Carolina lawmakers.

Haley, a potential GOP vice presidential pick, is a rising star in the Republican Party.

She was tapped by party leaders in Congress to deliver the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address in January, where she criticized Trump.