George LeMieux made his first campaign stop in Tampa Tuesday as he seeks the Republican nomination to take on Florida’s Democratic incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson next year,
the Tampa Tribune reported Wednesday.
LeMieux’s speech focused on his long history with the Republican party, and his separation from his former mentor, Charlie Crist, who left the party. He also re-emphasized some of the same themes that vaulted Sen. Marco Rubio to victory in 2010.
“Sometime between 2012 and 2020, your government can't make its interest payments," he said. "What's happened in Greece and Spain and Portugal and Ireland will happen here."
He continued: "For my wife and me this is all about our four kids . . . Are we going to be the first generation of Americans ever to not leave their children increased opportunity?"
LeMieux and state Sen. Mike Haridopolos have jumped into the race that is expected to garner national attention to face off with Nelson. Former state Rep. Adam Hasner also is expected to enter the race.
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