Attacking Obama and Bill Nelson, Connie Mack Enters Senate Race

In a widely expected move, U.S. Rep. Connie Mack announced on Monday night, on an appearance on Sean Hannitys show on Fox News, that he was entering the Republican primary to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. Mack took aim at Nelson in a statement released on Monday night, arguing that he and President Barack Obama have been lockstep liberals.

Sadly, our country is moving in the direction of Greece and Italy, said Mack. Liberal Senator Bill Nelsons tireless support of President Obama has put our nation in great peril with the belief that government can spend its way to prosperity. President Obama and Senator Nelson have fought together in lockstep for one failed liberal policy after the next, putting the security of this nation on the brink by spending taxpayer dollars on programs Americans cannot afford and do not want.

When Barack Obama wanted to pass his nationalized health care over the objections of most Americans, Bill Nelson was there fighting by his side --not once but three times, continued Mack. When Barack Obama wanted to pass his wasteful and failed stimulus packages, Bill Nelson was there fighting by his side. When Barack Obama wanted to foist cap-and-trade on the American people, Bill Nelson was there fighting by his side. When Barack Obama wanted to give new special deals to labor unions, Bill Nelson was there fighting by his side. When Barack Obama wanted to recklessly raise the debt ceiling and wildly increase spending, Bill Nelson was there fighting by his side.

"Bill Nelson has become Barack Obama's closest friend and ally in the United States Senate. Together, these 'lockstep liberals' are imperiling the future of our country and hurting the people of Florida. We can and must do better, said Mack in closing. My candidacy offers Floridians a true conservative alternative that puts our state and our country back on the road to prosperity with a track record of fiscal conservatism; a foreign policy that leads and knows our friends from our foes; a fiscal plan to balance the budget and restore our economic freedom; and the proven willingness to fight for our principles, no matter who is in the White House or who controls the Congress. The days of Bill Nelsons liberal, big-government programs are over.