Marco Rubio did surprisingly well in a key state — but nevertheless lost to Donald Trump

REUTERS/Mike Stone

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio's critics have repeatedly highlighted the fact that he was not expected to win any of the swath of "Super Tuesday" primaries and caucuses.

In Virginia — a major state and one of the firs primaries o wrap up voting — Rubio did surprisingly well, and his supporters initially held out hope that he would defeat frontrunner Donald Trump there. 

The initial exit polls found Trump leading Rubio just 34% to 31% in Virginia.

But Trump ultimately edged out Rubio there, a host of media outlets projected later Tuesday evening.

Rubio's backers are neverthelesss likely to tout his stronger-than-expected showing in Virginia as a sign of his campaign's strength after Super Tuesday.

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