Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, now running for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, unveiled his team in Palm Beach County on Thursday.
Local support is the foundation of any campaign and I am proud to announce another branch of our grass-roots operation, LeMieux said in a statement. My Palm Beach County Victory Team consists of hard-working Republicans dedicated to defeating Bill Nelson. I cant wait to work with them to take back the U.S. Senate next November and bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington.
LeMieux won the backing of Palm Beach County Commissioner Karen Marcus and former state Rep. Carl Domino. His team in Palm Beach County also includes state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who represents part of the county, and tea party leader Alex Berry. Other Palm Beach County residents who endorsed LeMieux include Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie of Boca Raton, Vice Mayor Lisa Tropepe of Palm Beach Shores, philanthropist Yvonne Boice and Republican activists Marilyn Parmet and Joy Stone.
"Our country is facing a critical time, Marcus said. Unemployment in Florida is well over 10 percent and the national debt continues to grow, putting our children's future in peril. We need a senator who has a plan to solve our problems and can hit the ground running. I've known George LeMieux for years and I know he is the only candidate who can get our country back on track."
George LeMieuxs intellect, job creation credentials, and consistent conservatism sharply contrast to the left wing, job-destroying politics of Bill Nelson, said Domino, who lost a bid for the state Senate in 2010. George is the only Republican candidate who can stand toe-to-toe with Bill Nelson and show that his Senate voting record best represents the citizens of Florida.
What impresses me about George is that hes a genuine and sincere person, not a slick career politician, Berry said. George is seeking office as a public service to salvage this country for his children, not someone in pursuit of fame and recognition.More than any other candidate, he has a crystal-clear understanding of the debt crisis we face. That is why I support George LeMieux for U.S. Senate.
LeMieux also picked up the support of former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Tom Slade this week.
Other candidates in the crowded field include U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, who is expected to formally launch his bid in coming weeks for the Senate seat that his father held for 12 years. Also running are former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, restaurant executive Craig Miller and businessman and retired Army officer Mike McCalister.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
