Tom Slade Backs George LeMieux in U.S. Senate Race

Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, now running in a crowded Republican primary field to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, unveiled the backing of former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Tom Slade on Wednesday.

Chairman Slade has committed decades of his life to public service, helping countless Republicans get elected at the local, state, and national level, LeMieux said in a statement released on Wednesday. Tom serves the Republican Party with distinction and it is an honor to receive his endorsement.

Today, I announce my wholehearted support of my friend George LeMieux in his campaign to return to the United States Senate, said Slade. I have known George for more than 15 years and respect the work that he has done for our party, our state, and our nation.He is a lifelong Republican who worked his way up through the GOP, eventually serving as chairman of the Broward County Republican Party.

In the Senate, George distinguished himself as a thoughtful conservative. He introduced a plan to balance the federal budget, fought against overreaching federal regulations like Obamacare and Dodd-Frank, and supported our military at every turn, Slade continued. In all my years in politics, I cannot remember a more challenging time for America. Our current path is unsustainable. We must take back the Senate, and to do that we must defeat Bill Nelson. We must also send to the Senate a person with the intellect, the experience, and the respect of his peers who can hit the ground running on day one and begin to solve the problems that threaten our way of life. George is the only candidate in the race for the U.S. Senate who possesses these vital qualities.

As chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, I recruited many candidates, and trust me when I say George is a tireless campaigner with the ability to articulate the values of our Republican Party, Slade concluded. George has a proven conservative record and is best equipped to challenge Bill Nelson next fall. For all these reasons, I am proud to endorse George LeMieux for the office of United States senator.