Paula Dockery, Detert and Ford Back George LeMieux for Senate

On Monday, three state legislators announced they were backing former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux for the Republican nomination to take on Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

LeMieux and former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, who is also running for the nomination, have been unveiling endorsements from legislators in Tallahassee in recent weeks. Two state senators -- Nancy Detert of Venice and former gubernatorial candidate Paula Dockery of Lakeland -- and one state representative -- Clay Ford of Gulf Breeze -- gave LeMieux their endorsements on Monday in a statement released by the former U.S. senators campaign team.

I am honored to receive the endorsements of three great Republican leaders in Florida, said LeMieux on Monday. Their support is essential in the fight against the fiscal irresponsibility that plagues Washington. With Senator Detert, Senator Dockery and Representative Clays help, we are one step closer to getting this nation back on track so our children and grandchildren can have the future they deserve.

The endorsement of Ford, who has represented parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since first being elected in 2007, is something of a coup for LeMieux. Having been deputy whip under him, Ford served as part of Hasners leadership team in the Florida House.

It is my pleasure to announce today my support for George LeMieux to represent the state of Florida in the U.S. Senate, said Ford. My endorsement stems from knowing his background and beliefs best reflect the needs of Northwest Florida. More importantly, his qualifications and desire to serve ordinary Floridians reflects the broad diversity of our great state. After reviewing qualifications and meeting the other candidates, I am absolutely convinced George can and will lead Florida in this critical time. He will help return us to the prosperity we had in the past and respond to the frequently heard plea, Help us get back to work.

Hasner defeated the field in a straw poll held in Orlando at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event on Friday, with McCalister in second and LeMieux in third place -- 10 percentage points behind the winner.