Statement on Governor Crist’s Selection of George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate
From the moment Senator Martinez announced his retirement, Governor Crist placed his ambitions over Florida’s needs. Floridians require a Senator working to ease their economic pain and achieve comprehensive health insurance reform, not a political appointee who serves the monied special interests.
The Governor added another addition to his campaign team at taxpayers’ expense. George LeMieux doesn’t represent Floridians facing economic challenges - he represents privileged clients with expense accounts far removed from the realities Floridians are facing.
Governor Crist was afforded a high responsibility with this appointment. Instead, he treated this process like a mockery, politicizing his selection by flying around the state at taxpayers’ expense, touring major media markets and drawing this selection out. Well respected Floridians with a wealth of elected service experience from Congressman Clay Shaw to Mayor John Delaney to various Hispanic leaders were in a position to hit the ground running if appointed, but that possibility is now nonexistent.
By appointing George LeMieux, Governor Crist’s inner circle was rewarded with a U.S. Senate seat and Floridians are left lacking the representation they deserve.