While there had been speculation that former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense would seek the Republican nomination to take on Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, the former state legislative leader endorsed a candidate already in the field -- former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner.
Hasner announced Tuesday that Bense would serve as chairman of his campaign.
In his statement backing Hasner, Bense took a shot at former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux who is also seeking the Republican nomination.
"I've known both Adam and George throughout the years, and there's no doubt in my mind that Adam is the principled conservative that Florida Republicans should support," said Bense. "Adam has a long record of standing up for mainstream, conservative principles that no other candidate in this race can match. He's earned a reputation as a fighter and a straight-shooter who sticks to what he believes, no matter which way the political winds blow. I know he'll go to Washington and stand up to both parties when they stray from the common-sense, limited-government reforms needed to turn our country around.
"It's not enough to elect just any Republican next November, continued Bense. Our party needs to nominate someone who can fight against the Obama-Nelson agenda and stand shoulder to shoulder with Marco Rubio in the United States Senate. Adam Hasner has the best track record of any candidate on cutting taxes, cutting spending, and fighting for the pro-growth economic policies that we need to create jobs and re-ignite the American economy."
Hasner, who was first elected to the Florida House in 2002, praised Bense and pointed to their time together in the Florida House. Bense, who has remained active in many political organizations, served as House speaker from 2004 through 2006. The Hasner campaign trumpeted the endorsement to their supporters on Tuesday.
"I was proud to call Allan Bense speaker and I have tremendous respect for him and his family, said Hasner. He was a role model to all of us who had the privilege to serve with him and I am honored to have earned his support for our campaign. During our time in the Legislature we worked to advance Governor Jeb Bush's conservative reforms to improve education and grow Florida's economy. As a businessman and community leader, Speaker Bense will help spread our positive message of an American resurgence throughout Florida.
There had been speculation that Bense would seek the Republican nomination. He was not the only potential Republican candidate to slam the door on running against Nelson. U.S. Rep. Allen West announced on Monday that he would not enter the Senate race.
"I will not seek the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 2012, said West in a statement. With regard to my future, the only goal I have is to do my very best to represent the constituents of the congressional district and to restore the exceptionalism of our nation.
Despite Bense and West heading to the sidelines, there remains a large field of candidates. Other candidates besides Hasner and LeMieux include retired Army officer and businessman Mike McCalister, who garnered more than 10 percent in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary; former Ruth's Chris CEO Craig Miller who ran for Congress in 2010; conservative writer Marielena Stuart; Bill Fisher, a consultant who ran for Congress in 2010; attorney Deon Long who ran for Congress in 2010; businessman Ron McNeil who ran for Congress in 1982 and 2010; and Dr. Mirand Sharma, a physician and Ron Paul supporter. Potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and businessman Nick Loeb who ran for the state Senate in 2010.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
