On Thursday, two more Republicans in the state Legislature endorsed former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux who is running for the GOP’s nomination to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in November. With the backing of Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, and Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Lecanto, LeMieux has now garnered the support of 35 sitting legislators.
“As the primary gets closer, opinion leaders across the state continue to support our campaign for U.S. Senate,” said LeMieux in a statement. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of state legislators throughout Florida. Rich and Jimmie serve their districts well and I am proud to have them on our team.”
In his endorsement of LeMieux, Glorioso played up the former senator’s expertise on national security and the military.
“Having spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, I know how important it is to have someone in the U.S. Senate fighting for our nation’s military,” Glorioso said. “George LeMieux is that man! George sat on the Armed Services Committee and recognizes the vital role the military plays in protecting our way of life, as well as the positive effects it has on our state’s economy. Florida has lost all representation on the Armed Services Committee and it is imperative we have George back in the U.S. Senate, again serving on the Armed Services Committee, fighting for our men and women in uniform.”
Smith played up LeMieux’s commitment to term limits in his endorsement.
“George LeMieux represents the hard-working men and women I encounter every day in my district,” Smith said. “I am confident he will bring that strong work ethic to Washington, along with his passion to make things happen for the state of Florida. Like me, George is a firm believer in term limits, and has vowed to return to Florida to live under the laws that he helps pass after serving no more than two terms. It is this commitment to bettering Florida and our nation that makes me proud to support George LeMieux in his race for United States Senate.”
