Adam Hasner Claims Momentum After CPAC Straw Poll Win

Former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner beat out three other Republican candidates looking to challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 in a straw poll held at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event on Friday in Orlando.

Hasner attempted to frame the result as a big win over former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux who finished in third place behind Hasner and retired Army officer Mike McCalister.

In an email sent out to supporters late on Friday, Hasner claimed the results showed that he had tremendous support from grassroots activists and jabbed LeMieux by linking him to his old boss former Gov. Charlie Crist.

Today's results demonstrate that conservative Floridians aren't looking for a Charlie Crist Republicanwho claims to share their values but for a leader that has the record to actually back it up, Hasner wrote. My consistent conservative record and willingness to make the tough decisions proves that I am that leader.

In 2010, Floridians helped lead a revolution to take back the House and elect Marco Rubio to the U.S. Senate. In 2012, Florida will play a major role not only ensuring that President Obama serves only one term, but in delivering additional conservative reinforcements to Washington, added Hasner. The challenges we face as a nation require proactive and forthright leadership, and the people of Florida deserve another U.S. Senator they can trust to faithfully fight against the policies of President Obama and Senator Nelson.