Ken Blackwell Backs Adam Hasner to Challenge Bill Nelson in 2012

Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, a favorite of conservatives despite his failed bid to become governor of the Buckeye State, announced on Monday that he was endorsing former state House Speaker Adam Hasners bid for the Republican nomination to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

Blackwell currently chairs Pass The Balanced Budget Amendment -- an organization that Hasner was affiliated with before embarking on his campaign.

"Florida is a vitally important state for Republicans in our goal to recapture the Senate. Adam is a fighter; he's a principled limited government conservative, and he is exactly the kind of candidate conservatives across Florida and the country should support," said Blackwell on Monday. "I've gotten to know Adam well through our work on Pass The Balanced Budget Amendment, and I know Adam has the courage to go to Washington and challenge the extreme direction the Obama administration is taking our country. I know he'll stand up to Democrats and Republicans to fight for limited government principles. If conservatism is to grow and thrive as a movement in America, conservatives must be willing to step up and support young, energetic and fearless leaders like Adam Hasner."

"I'm honored and grateful that our campaign has earned Ken Blackwell's support," said Hasner. "Ken Blackwell is as inspiring and principled a leader as you can find, and our campaign will honor his support by continuing to outline an honest and positive agenda to provide limited government solutions to the challenges facing our country."