Former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner announced Wednesday that three Republican state representatives -- all of whom served in his caucus in the Florida House -- are backing his bid to take on Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.
Hasner unveiled the backing of House Speaker Pro Tempore John Legg, R-Port Richey, Rep. Ed. Hooper, R-Clearwater, and Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, in a statement released Wednesday morning.
"These endorsements mean a lot to me personally, not only because I had the honor of serving with Ed, John and Charles, but I know just how hard they work to represent the people of Florida," said Hasner. "They are excellent public servants and I am proud to have their support. We continue to build a strong grass-roots infrastructure across the state and I know that together we can defeat Senator Nelson and restore conservative leadership to the U.S. Senate."
In their endorsements, all three state representatives praised Hasner for his conservative credentials.
"There is only one true conservative in this race and his name is Adam Hasner," said Hooper, who represents parts of Pinellas County, in a statement. "For years, Adam stood his ground and resisted pressure to compromise his principles and I know he will do the same in the United States Senate. I am proud to support Adam's campaign and I greatly look forward to working with him to bring real conservative change to Washington."
"Having served with Adam, I can say with confidence that he is the only candidate Floridians can trust to strongly advocate for conservative ideas and to actually put those ideas into action," said Legg, who represents parts of Pasco County and who is now running for the state Senate. "We are facing serious challenges right now, and we need leaders like Adam with a proven record of fighting for the limited-government solutions that will turn our country around."
"I was privileged to start my time in the Florida House under Adam's leadership and I am proud to endorse his candidacy today," said McBurney, who represents parts of Duval County. "I saw firsthand how Adam fought against not just Democrats but Republicans as well, and that is exactly the kind of leadership we need now more than ever. There is no better candidate Floridians should send to Washington to stand with Senator Rubio than Adam Hasner."
While Hasner has garnered some impressive endorsements from national conservative leaders, he has also picked up the support of a host of Florida legislators that he served with, including former House Speakers Allan Bense and Larry Cretul. Nine current state legislators -- including House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami -- have also backed Hasners Senate ambitions.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
