FL SEN: George LeMieux Picked To Replace Martinez
Gov. Charlie Crist (R) chose his ex-CoS and political right-hand man, George LeMieux to fill out the remainder of retiring Sen. Mel Martinez's (R) first term.
LeMieux, a lawyer and lobbyist, was widely viewed by FL political observers as the safe choice for Crist. The Gov. faced a balancing act of choosing a replacement for Martinez as he ran to replace him, and it's expected the LeMieux choice will become an issue in the SEN race. Crist faces an increasingly contentious primary fight with ex-state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) as well as a surprisingly strong likely Dem nominee in Rep. Kendrick Meek, though polls still show Crist winning the Martinez seat easily.
As for LeMieux, he's expected to take over for Martinez when the Senate reconvenes in DC on 9/8. Martinez' office issued the following statement:
"I congratulate George LeMieux for being appointed by the governor to fill the remainder of my term. George is bright, capable, and an accomplished administrator. My staff and I stand ready to ensure a smooth transition."
The state Dem party was not as thrilled. As a powerful lobbyist and longtime ally, Dems say the LeMieux pick smells of cronyism. Expect to see that theme more in the coming weeks of the SEN race. The party's statement:
"In appointing LeMieux, someone who has made millions over the past several years selling access to Crist to the highest bidders among Tallahassee's special interests, Charlie Crist once again put his own political ambition above doing what is right for Florida. Floridians are sick of the Republican culture of corruption and the Tallahassee back room dealings that clearly led Crist to pick LeMieux, whose only qualification is being Charlie Crist's crony."
We'll post more responses to the selection as they come in today.
The state GOP offered its take on LeMieux's appointment. Party chair Jim Greer, in a statement. Greer, like FL's new Sen, is a long-time Crist ally, which may explain his obvious enthusiasm for LeMieux selection:
Greer: "Once again, Charlie Crist has demonstrated his commitment to serving Floridians, by appointing George LeMieux who is well qualified, a dedicated public servant, conservative Republican and an excellent choice!"
Nat'l party takes after the jump.
(EVAN McMORRIS-SANTORO)
From the DSCC:
"Charlie Crist came as close as he could to appointing himself to this position. At a time when so many Floridians are unemployed, and many others facing foreclosures, we have learned nothing is beyond the pale for Charlie Crist. Today marked another Charlie Crist choice that significantly impacts the state of Florida but is ultimately about promoting himself."
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus