After saying on the Mark Levin radio show Monday night that he will enter the Republican primary to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner reached out to supporters Tuesday and made his candidacy official.
Hasner released a web video and launched a campaign website, pledging to fight for conservative values.
Several weeks ago I began a conversation with Floridians about the crossroads we face as a country, noted Hasner. Since then, I've traveled to every corner of the state and met some great people. I've listened and learned, and together we've shared an honest discussion about the failures of Washington, frustrations of Florida, and future of America.
The reality is, Washington is taking us in the wrong direction and both parties have been at fault. To turn things around we need honest conservatives who will challenge the leadership on both sides, say what needs to be said, and do what needs to be done, continued Hasner. To keep America the greatest country in the world, we need Republicans who won't just challenge Democrats on spending, taxes and debt, but leaders willing to challenge their fellow Republicans as well. And that's why today I'm making my decision official: I am announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Hasner joins a Republican field that includes former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, state Senate President Mike Haridopolos and retired army officer and businessman Mike McCalister, who took more than 10 percent of the GOP gubernatorial primary vote in 2010.
In an e-mail to supporters sent out late Tuesday, Hasner touched on his opponents.
All of my opponents have grown accustomed to being called senator, and they'll work hard to keep their titles, Hasner wrote. I'm not running against them, and I'm not running for me -- I'm running to give voice to the Floridians I've met during the past weeks. Men and women who care about this state and our country, and who want someone to go to Washington and fight for them.
Hasner pledged to run an ideas-based campaign to put America back on the right track -- taking a page from Marco Rubio, who pushed his own ideas during his successful U.S. Senate bid back in 2010. Hasner and Rubio, who rose to become speaker, served six years together in the state House of Representatives.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
