U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, whose father held the seat in the United States Senate currently occupied by Democrat Bill Nelson, endorsed state Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, to take on Nelson in 2012.
Mack, the chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, had considered running for the seat himself but decided earlier in the year against entering the crowded primary to take on Nelson. First elected to Congress in 2004, Mack represents Southwest Florida, including all of Lee County and parts of Charlotte and Collier counties. His district includes Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and parts of Port Charlotte.
In his endorsement Monday morning, Mack took aim at Nelson, hammering him on a number of issues.
"For too long Bill Nelsons liberal record has been at odds with Floridians, said Mack in a statement on Monday.From his support of Obamacare, his opposition to tax cuts and his recent attempt to further bankrupt our state and federal government with his support of an unnecessary rail line, Bill Nelson can no longer be trusted with our tax dollars.
Mack attempted to contrast Nelsons record with the one Haridopolos accumulated in Tallahassee.
Mike Haridopolos has confronted the challenges of our day with a steadfast commitment to freedom, limited government and fiscal responsibility, and I am proud to stand with him to put Florida and our country back on a path of economic and job growth, continued Mack. "I remember fondly Mikes participation in the Freedom Caucus in Tallahassee and his watchful eye on the state budget as president of the Senate. I ask all Florida Republicans today to join me in my support of Mike Haridopolos for the U.S. Senate.
"I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of Congressman Mack, as I greatly admire his dedication to being a strong champion for limited government and freedom, here and abroad," said Haridopolos in response. "He has been a leader in reforming government and promoting fiscal discipline both in Florida and Washington, D.C. I look forward to having Connie with me on the campaign trail."
Mack, who is married to California Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, who remains best known as the widow of the late entertainer-turned-congressman Sonny Bono, has drawn fire in recent months from conservatives over immigration. Mack -- along with former Gov. Jeb Bush -- was one of the leading Republicans opposing plans to bring an Arizona-type immigration law to the Sunshine State.
Haridopolos faces a crowded primary field to take on Nelson. Other Republicans looking to take on Nelson include former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, retired Army office and businessman Mike McCalister, businessman Ron Rushing, consultant Bill Fisher and businessman Ron McNeil. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, former Ruth's Chris CEO Craig Miller and businessman Nick Loeb have left the door open to entering the primary contest.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
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