Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux announced on Monday that he had won the backing of three Republican members of the Florida House of Representatives in his bid to challenge Democrat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.
LeMieux unveiled the backing of Rep. Rachel Burgin of Riverview, Rep. Debbie Mayfield of Vero Beach and Rep. Larry Metz of Eustis.
I am honored to receive the endorsements of Representatives Burgin, Mayfield, and Metz and I thank them for their support, LeMieux said in a statement. Florida needs a senator that knows how to get Americans back to work and will truly represent their values in Washington. With the help of state legislators from across Florida, we are gaining the momentum necessary to retire Bill Nelson and end Harry Reids reign in the U.S. Senate.
Burgin and Mayfield were part of the Republican caucus in the Florida House when it was led by Majority Leader Adam Hasner, who is also running in the GOP primary to take on Nelson.
Burgin, who represents parts of Hillsborough County, praised LeMieuxs stances on social issues in her endorsement.
"I am proud to endorse George LeMieux for U.S. Senate, said Burgin. For me, ensuring we have a pro-life, pro-family conservative as our nominee for U.S. Senate is crucial.
Burgin, who was first elected to the House in 2008, pointedly noted that she had been part of the Republican caucus under Hasner on Monday.
Having served with Adam Hasner, I know George is the only candidate in this race with steadfast, heartfelt conviction and proven leadership that is necessary to fight for the values conservatives believe in, Burgin continued. Our state needs a pro-family leader like George who will never back down from fighting on behalf of Florida families."
Mayfield, who represents parts of Brevard, Indian River and St. Lucie counties, focused more on LeMieuxs record on fiscal issues in her endorsement.
George LeMieux is focused on the job at hand and ready to make the tough decisions to protect the American Dream for generations to come, said Mayfield. George understands that government doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. He is the only candidate running for United States Senate with a solid voting record of going up against the Obama administration and Bill Nelson and that is why Im endorsing George LeMieux for the United States Senate.
Metz, who was first elected to the House in 2010, praised LeMieux for his character.
"I have known George LeMieux for almost 20 years, said Metz who represents parts of Lake, Seminole and Volusia counties. He is a man of high integrity and intellect who loves his family and country.George's staunch advocacy for fiscal sanity while serving as our U.S. senator was a breath of fresh air. His Four Freedoms Plan shows his thoughtfulness and depth on the important policy issues facing America. I endorse George LeMieux for these reasons and because Florida needs another principled conservative in the U.S. Senate who is ready, willing and able to reduce the deficit and debt, grow the economy, and renew America's promise as a land of opportunity."
The latest round of endorsements brings LeMieuxs total of legislative endorsements up to 11. Other members of the Legislature backing LeMieux are three Republican senators -- Nancy Detert of Venice, Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Stephen Wise of Jacksonville -- and five GOP members in the House: Jason Brodeur of Sanford, Clay Ford of Gulf Breeze, Matt Gaetz of Shalimar, George Moraitis of Fort Lauderdale and John Tobia of Melbourne.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
