Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux re-emerged on Wednesday as he promoted business opportunities in Florida overseas and revealed more of the plans for the think tank that bears his name.
While LeMieux dropped out of the race to determine which Republican would challenge U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., in 2012, there has been speculation that he is not done politically.
LeMieuxs activities on Wednesday indicate that the Broward County Republican intends to remain active in the months to come. The former senator accompanied Gov. Rick Scott to the Paris Air Show in France and offered warm words of praise for the governors economic record.
What this governor has done is worked hard from morning to late in the night every day, seven days a week, to find job openings for Floridians, LeMieux said on Wednesday. Florida is back. Were open for business and the state is doing great.
LeMieux had been a close ally of former Gov. Charlie Crist. After serving as his chief of staff, LeMieux was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Crist. But, when Crist lef the GOP to continue his Senate seat with no party affiliation, LeMieux threw his support behind Marco Rubio. Crist joined the Democrats last year and is now one of his new partys leading candidates to challenge Scott in 2014.
LeMieux is remaining politically active on other fronts, including supporting Miami-Dade School Board member Carlos Curbello for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla.
Nor did LeMieux neglect the home front on Wednesday. The LeMieux Center for Public Policy, affiliated with Palm Beach Atlantic University, unveiled a Web video on Wednesday which showcases the former senator and reveals more of its plans. The video features some prominent Floridians, including Palm Beach Atlantic President William M.B. Fleming, former state Rep. Carl Domino and Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro, explaining the role the LeMieux Center can have in state and national politics.
LeMieux is also prominently featured in the video, praising the university and insisting the center can help develop students. I believe that we have the opportunity and a responsibility to make sure theyre learning the skills to be a great leader, LeMieux says in the video.
Having brought in White House adviser and media figure David Gergen to offer the first address at the center, LeMieux announced future speakers including former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham and Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
LeMieux also offered an update on programs for students.
Presently, we are in the process of developing the curriculum requirements for the LeMieux Center Fellow Program, LeMieux wrote supporters on Wednesday. Each year, this independent study program will be offered to two PBA upperclassmen. LeMieux Center Fellows will concentrate their study on a topic of great public importance that will culminate in a year-end published paper.
In addition, we are preparing for the start of the LeMieux Center Internship Program, LeMieux continued. Selected students will intern in Washington, Tallahassee, and elsewhere to experience public service, nonprofit efforts, and the private sector. Internships will begin with an intensive course at the LeMieux Center where students will learn from PBA faculty, elected officials, policy experts, and experienced staff members with the goal of training students before they embark upon their internship.
LeMieuxs Senate bid in 2012 may have fizzled -- he ended up endorsing Connie Mack after spending months attacking him -- but its pretty clear the former senator wants to remain on Floridas political stage.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at 904-521-3722
