Allan Bense Backs Adam Hasner for U.S. Senate in 2012

While there had been speculation that former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense would seek the Republican nomination to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, the former state legislative leader endorsed a candidate already in the field -- former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. Hasner announced on Tuesday that Bense would serve as chairman of his campaign.

In his statement backing Hasner, Bense took a shot at former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux who is also seeking the Republican nomination.

"I've known both Adam and George throughout the years, and there's no doubt in my mind that Adam is the principled conservative that Florida Republicans should support," said Bense. "Adam has a long record of standing up for mainstream, conservative principles that no other candidate in this race can match. He's earned a reputation as a fighter and a straight-shooter who sticks to what he believes, no matter which way the political winds blow. I know he'll go to Washington and stand up to both parties when they stray from the common-sense, limited-government reforms needed to turn our country around.

"It's not enough to elect just any Republican next November, continued Bense. Our party needs to nominate someone who can fight against the Obama-Nelson agenda and stand shoulder to shoulder with Marco Rubio in the United States Senate. Adam Hasner has the best track record of any candidate on cutting taxes, cutting spending, and fighting for the pro-growth economic policies that we need to create jobs and re-ignite the American economy."