Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, running in a crowded Republican primary to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, unveiled the backing of three state legislators on Friday.
LeMieux announced in a statement that he had won the backing of Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, and two Republicans serving in the Florida House -- Fred Costello of Ormond Beach and Charles Van Zant of Palatka.
Senator Garcia, Representative Costello, and Representative Van Zant proudly serve their districts in Tallahassee and I am honored to have their support in my bid for the U.S. Senate, LeMieux said. The number of Florida legislators supporting my campaign is humbling. With this amazing group of legislators, we will have the momentum necessary to retire Bill Nelson next November and get America back on the right track."
Garcia, who represents parts of Miami-Dade County, praised LeMieux as a conservative, specifically focusing on LeMieux's record during his 16-month stint in the U.S. Senate.
George LeMieux is the kind of common-sense conservative we need in Washington, Garcia said. During his time in the Senate, he fought against out-of-control spending and an overreaching federal government. George is the best candidate to beat Bill Nelson and put our fiscal house in order. I am proud to endorse my friend George LeMieux for the U.S. Senate."
Costello, who represents parts of Flagler and Volusia counties, pointed to LeMieuxs Four Freedoms plan to limit federal spending and control the deficit.
I am proud to endorse George LeMieux because his voting record in the United States Senate and his Four Freedoms plan actually reflect his core conservative values, Costello said. George's ongoing commitment to adhere to our Constitution and grow our economy, not the government, is most timely. We desperately need George's bold Four Freedoms plan that will empower job creators, facilitate energy independence and protect Social Security benefits for our elderly while instituting reforms to preserve its long-term viability for all Americans.
Van Zant, who represents Putnam County and parts of Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion and Volusia, is one of the leading social conservatives in the Florida Legislature. Van Zant served in the Republican caucus in the Florida House under former House Majority Leader Adam Hasner -- one of LeMieuxs chief rivals for the GOP nomination. In his endorsement on Friday, Van Zant praised LeMieuxs conservative credentials and said the former senator was a staunch opponent of abortion.
"George LeMieux provided stellar service to the people of Florida during his time in the U.S. Senate, said Van Zant. He led the fight for a balanced budget and to pay off our enslaving national debt. George is also an ardent defender of our values. He has fought against abortion, and will continue to fight to protect the unborn in the U.S. Senate. I am proud to endorse the most conservative person running for the U.S. Senate, George LeMieux. We need real leadership again in Washington."
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859.
