Story highlights Rubio, under sharp criticism from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, downplayed Rick Santorum's inability to name a single legislative accomplishment of his

"The reality of it is the American Dream is still alive. It is still healthy. We need a president who helps us get there and that guy is Marco Rubio," Scott said

Washington (CNN) Sen. Marco Rubio is defending his record in Congress after Rick Santorum, now a Rubio backer, struggled to name any legislative accomplishments by the Florida senator.

Rubio, under sharp criticism from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, downplayed Santorum's inability to name a single legislative accomplishment of his.

"Let's be fair to Rick. I mean, he has spent the past year and a half running for president and his campaign, and he just endorsed us last night," Rubio told reporters in Manchester on Thursday.

Rubio then vaguely said he had "real achievements," and repeated his arguments that he's shown "better judgment" on national security issues than his rivals.

Earlier Thursday, Santorum, who ended his presidential campaign earlier this week after fairing poorly in the Iowa caucuses, said "it's hard" to name a significant accomplishment that Rubio has had in the Senate. He did say that Rubio has "tremendous potential and gifts."

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