U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, endorsed his fellow member of the Florida delegation U.S. Rep. Connie Mack for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. Miller endorsed Mack at a media event in Pensacola on Monday.
Jeff Miller is a proven fighter for conservative principles, and hes a champion for our nations fighting forces and veterans. The people of Northwest Florida are fortunate to have him fighting for them in Washington, and I am truly honored to have him standing by my side in my campaign for the Senate, said Mack in a statement on Monday. Throughout this campaign I will be talking with people from every corner of Florida about my record fighting for the ideals of freedom, security and prosperity.
Jeff Millers help will be an important part of helping to build the organization and support we need in Northwest Florida and beyond to ensure that Senator Bill Nelsons astonishingly liberal ways and days will soon be over, added Mack.
First elected to Congress in 2001 in a special election after Joe Scarborough resigned, Miller, a Republican, represents the Panhandle, with his district including all of Escambia, Holmes, Santa Rosa and Washington counties and parts of Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Im thrilled to endorse my good friend, Connie Mack, for the United States Senate, and Im looking forward to doing all I can to help him defeat Senator Bill Nelson, said Miller, stressing Macks conservatism. Connie is a standard-bearer for the same conservative principles and ideas that I carry with me every day.
Miller also took aim at President Barack Obama and Nelson in his endorsement on Monday.
Senator Bill Nelson, on the other hand, has become President Obamas closest friend and ally in the Senate, Miller said. Together, these Lockstep Liberals have exploded the debt and deficit, massively expanded the size and scope of government, and put the future of our great nation on the brink. Florida simply cant afford another six years of Bill Nelson in the Senate. Connie Mack is the reliable conservative leader that Florida needs and deserves in the United States Senate.
Mack faces a crowded Republican primary which includes former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, retired Army officer and businessman Mike McCalister and restaurant executive Craig Miller.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
