George LeMieux, Thanked by Obama, Defends 'Small-Business Jobs' Vote

Submitted by Anonymous on May 14, 2012 - 12:02pm

It wasn't exactly a Charlie Crist hug, but President Obama's effusive thanks to George LeMieux isn't going to help the former senator regain his seat.

The political website Shark Tank dug out a little-viewed YouTube video showing the president singling out LeMieux and Ohio Sen. George Voinovich for breaking ranks with fellow Republicans to break a GOP filibuster and pass the "Small-Business Jobs Act" in 2010.

LeMieux, locked in a fight with U.S. Rep. Connie Mack for a chance to take on Democrat Bill Nelson this November, has said his defection on the jobs bill demonstrated his willingness to "work with Democrats."

"It provided tax cuts and it provided money for community banks to lend at lower rates," LeMieux said. "If you're having to pay higher interest rates, you don't spend.

"I don't work for the GOP leadership. I work for you," he told the Indian River County Tea Party last January.

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