George LeMieux Ends Senate Bid, Backs Connie Mack

On Wednesday, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux said that he was ending his bid for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in November--and threw his support behind U.S. Rep. Connie Mack.

See the full story in Sunshine State News now.

LeMieux released a video on Wednesday in which he backed Mack after noting that the GOP leadership was behind his opponent and that the congressman was not debating him.

The establishment has thrown their support behind my competitor, Connie Mack. Ahead of us in the polls, the Mack name enjoys widespread recognition that can only be matched with substantial advertising or the opportunity to debate on statewide television, LeMieux says in the video. Advertising, which our finances cannot support, and debates, which my competitor wont agree to. It is not my nature to step aside, but there is a reality to running a statewide race in Florida. Without the resources or the opportunity to debate, our message simply cannot be heard.

As a former party chairman, I know that sometimes for the good of the party, and the good of the nation, a candidate has to bow out gracefully. In order to have the best chance to defeat Bill Nelson and put the Senate in Republican hands, today we will end our campaign, continued LeMieux. To continue would only hurt our chances in the fall, and that is not something that I will risk. Connie Mack will be our nominee. He has my support.