Rubio builds after Bush burns

Thank you for your support. Photograph: Chris Keane/Reuters

9.38pm GMT

0. Late breaking: Cruz axes spokesman

Ted Cruz fired top aide Rick Tyler after he promoted a false story questioning Marco Rubio’s commitment to the Bible, a move the Texas senator described as ‘a grave error’

Updated at 9.39pm GMT

9.38pm GMT

1. Rubio wins new party backing

The departure from the race of Jeb Bush after the former governor imploded in South Carolina unstoppered a flow of endorsements for the Florida senator.

Movin’ on up? Photograph: Chris Keane/Reuters

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Summary

The endorsements included a couple senators, a handful of US representatives, a former Minnesota governor and Bob Dole, the 1996 Republican presidential nominee.

On the trail in 1996. Photograph: Stephan Savoia/AP

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Summary

Reports that Mitt Romney, the 2012 nominee, was on the verge of backing Rubio were shot down, however, by Romney insiders, who said that cake wasn’t quite yet baked.

Gosh 2012 was a gas. Photograph: The Washington Post/Getty Images

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2. Trump turns to Nevada

Donald Trump, whose most high-profile endorsement on Monday came from the star of a motorcycle reality show, stumped in Nevada after beating Rubio by 10 in South Carolina.

Man of the people. Photograph: Tami Chappell/Reuters

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Summary

Do endorsements from elected officials matter? Or will Trump end that notion? Next up, Nevada Republicans caucus on Tuesday. The smart money is on Trump to win – again.

Cruz supporter in a Trump mask. Sweet dreams! Photograph: Jim Young/Reuters

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Pro-Rubio group hits Trump, Cruz

Trump is erratic, Cruz is calculated. Marco Rubio can beat Hillary and inspire a new generation. pic.twitter.com/pC77E7iLaa
— ConservativeSolution (@cspac) February 22, 2016

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3. Clinton racks up delegates

On the Democratic side, meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has opened up a large delegate lead on rival Bernie Sanders, despite winning only two of three state contests so far.

How many did you say I have? Like 500? Photograph: Pat Sullivan/AP

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Summary

What kind of math is that? In a word, superdelegates! – party insiders who get to help pick the nominee without any duty to listen to voters. Neat.

Even if Sanders wins popular vote, Clinton could still get nomination

What’ve I been tellin’ ya? Photograph: John Bazemore/AP

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4. Kasich: ‘Women came out of their kitchens to support me’

An audience member took issue.

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Summary

Kasich was talking about 1978, and his campaign said ‘kitchen’ was shorthand for ‘grassroots’. But at least one candidate for president didn’t give him a pass...