Five More Legislators Back George LeMieux's Senate Bid

George LeMieux on Thursday announced five legislative endorsements, making a total of 26 state legislators supporting his bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

The most recent endorsements come from state Reps. Ed Hooper, Bryan Nelson, Jimmy Patronis, Keith Perry and Ana Rivas-Logan. Their statements:

Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater: I am proud to support Senator LeMieux in his bid to become the next senator from Florida. He proved in his previous service that he will serve all Floridians in a manner that is responsible and fiscally correct and I know he will get this country back on track.

Bryan Nelson, R-Apopka: During his time in the U.S. Senate, George LeMieux proved to Floridians he is able to take on tough problems and find solutions. In 16 months, George had five of his legislative priorities passed, including legislation to prevent Medicare fraud. He also proposed the 2007 Solution, which would bring spending back to 2007 levels, and offered a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. While in the Senate, George worked hard for the people of House District 38 and the state of Florida. He is a proven conservative and that's why I am supporting George LeMieux for U.S. Senate."

Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City: "During his time in the United States Senate, George LeMieux fought for the men and women of Florida's Gulf Coast. George understands the devastating impact that Washington's overly-restrictive regulations are having on our local economy and will fight to get government out of the fishing industry's way. George has a proven record of being a conservative voice of reason and that is why I'm endorsing him for the U.S. Senate."

Keith Perry, R-Gainesville: George LeMieux represents conservative family values and is the right candidate to help get our nation back on track for future generations. During his time in the Senate, George led the fight to reduce our crippling debt and repeal overly burdensome, duplicative regulations, which continue to suffocate economic growth. As a small-business owner, I recognize firsthand how the policies of liberals in D.C., like Senator Bill Nelson, affect our economy here at home. I am confident that George LeMieux is the right candidate to effectively represent our conservative values and protect our nations future.

Ana Rivas-Logan, R-Miami: America faces serious problems and thats why we need serious people in the Senate. George LeMieuxs tenure in the Senate proves he knows how to tackle tough problems with effective solutions. While serving the people of Florida, George offered legislation to reduce our debt, stop Medicare fraud, and proposed a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Florida needs George LeMieux and thats why Im endorsing him for the United States Senate.

Thursday's announcement follows the endorsement of 21 sitting Florida legislators, former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Tom Slade, former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, the National Tax Limitation Committee PAC, former mayors Rich Crotty and John Peyton, and conservative radio host Joyce Kaufman.