Sen. George LeMieux, Statesman

If Republican George LeMieux is a lame duck in the U.S. Senate, he didn't get the message. Or, he got the message and decided, hey, what do I have to lose? I'm going to do the right thing.

LeMieux was one of two Republicans who broke with the party and cleared the way for Thursday's passage of a plan that's probably the best news small businesses have had in two years. The plan, if it clears the House, will make more tax breaks available and loosen up more credit for them.

Here's what the Orlando Sentinel said Friday morning:

"Republican George LeMieux of Florida ... played the role of statesman. ..."

The newspaper continued, "Unlike previous economic-relief measures, the Small Business Jobs Act won't add to the federal budget deficit. Mr. LeMieux didn't have to compromise his position against deficit spending to support it.

"If it passes the House, the act will set up a $30 billion fund to offer financing for community banks to provide more loans to help small businesses hire and grow. Banks that take money are expected to repay it, and will be penalized if they don't increase their lending. Taxpayers are projected to turn a small profit on the fund.

"The act also will create or extend $12 billion worth of tax breaks over the next decade for both large and small businesses. That cost to the Treasury is to be covered through a menu of tax code changes."

High praise and a clear explanation of an important bill from the Sentinel. On this one, be honest, George LeMieux deserves no less.