About George LeMieux

August 28, 2009

A pretty solid pick, with the purpose of filling a short-term role.

George LeMieux is a native Floridian, who grew up in Broward County, Florida. He attended public schools in Coral Springs, Florida, along with his wife Meike. George graduated magna cum laude and phi beta kappa from Emory University with a degree in political science. He received his law school education at Georgetown University where he also graduated with honors.

Upon graduating law school, he returned to Fort Lauderdale where he began his practice of law at the Gunster, Yoakley law firm specializing in business litigation. In 2000, George was elected Chairman of the Broward County Republican Party. In 2003, he was asked by then Attorney General Charlie Crist to serve as Florida’s Deputy Attorney General and Chief of Staff to the Attorney General’s Office where he supervised more than 400 lawyers and 1300 total staff. As Deputy Attorney General he appeared on behalf of the State of Florida in the United States Supreme Court where he argued for and won a unanimous decision in a death penalty case. In 2006, Charlie Crist asked LeMieux to run his campaign for Governor where he supervised the campaign’s strategic, media and grassroots operations. Crist credited LeMieux as being a large part of the campaign’s success stating: “some campaigns have an architect, this campaign had a Maestro”.

For his efforts LeMieux received the prestigious “Pollie” award from the American Association of Political Consultants as the nation’s “MVP” in a Republican campaign for 2006. LeMieux served as the Executive Director of the Crist/Kottkamp transition team, and went to lead the Executive Office of the Governor as the Governor’s Chief of Staff in 2007. In 2008, LeMieux rejoined the Gunster, Yoakley firm where he now concentrates his practice on corporate counseling and litigation. In March of 2008, George was selected to lead Gunster, Yoakley as Chairman of the Firm. George lives in Tallahassee with his wife Meike and their three sons Max, Taylor and Chase.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmMMmE48ECc&feature=related[/youtube]

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Kristofer Lorelli can be contacted at lorville@rogers.com, on Facebook and twitter/Kris_Lorelli

by Kristofer Lorelli @ 11:28 am. Filed under 2010

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16 Responses to “About George LeMieux”

Kristofer Lorelli Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
From Pamela Geller: Control Freak in the White House: Bill would give Obama Emergency Control of Internet http://bit.ly/z9TIT
Alex Knepper Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
WTF? YOU SUPPORT CRIST, and yet you want to PRIMARY Bennett for being insufficiently conservative. How hypocritical can you get?!
Kristofer Lorelli Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
#2, I have no idea what you are talking about?
Alex Knepper Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
YOU SUPPORT CRIST OVER RUBIO, RIGHT?
Kristofer Lorelli Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
There is no ‘real’ primary in FLA.
Aron Goldman Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Just received the following two e-mails from the Republican Party of Florida:

FL GOP Leadership Applauds Senate Appointment

Tallahassee — Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, National Committeewoman Sharon Day, and National Committeeman Paul Senft today applauded Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s appointment of former Deputy Attorney General George LeMieux to the United States Senate. LeMieux will complete the term of retiring U.S. Senator Mel Martinez.

“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!,” said Chairman Greer.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, National Committeewoman Sharon Day, and National Committeeman Paul Senft released the following statement:

“During this critical time in our nation’s history, we cannot think of a public servant more equipped to serve the people of Florida in the United States Senate. Throughout his service as Deputy Attorney General and Chief of Staff to Governor Crist, George has demonstrated that he is not only familiar with important public policy issues, but has the needed background and expertise in government to play a critical role in the crafting of legislation and initiatives for a wide-range of issues.

“Having served as the Chairman of the Broward County Republican Executive Committee, George is a strong conservative who stands by the values and principles that are important to Republicans, not only here in Florida, but across the nation.

“With important issues, including health care, up for debate in the United States Senate this fall, we are confident that George will hit the ground running and will play an important role in this discussion from day one. George is the leader Florida needs in Washington. We congratulate him, and applaud Governor Crist on this important decision for the people of our state.”

NRA and Unified Sportsman of Florida Applaud Governor Crist’s Senate Pick
Give LeMieux an A Rating

Marion Hammer, Executive Director of the Unified Sportsman of Florida and Past President of the National Rifle Association, released the following statement regarding Governor Crist’s appointment of former Deputy Attorney General George LeMieux to the United States Senate:

“The NRA and Unified Sportsmen of Florida are very pleased with Governor Crist’s appointment of George LeMieux as Florida’s new junior U.S. Senator. George is rated ‘A’ by the NRA and will be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment in the U.S. Senate. Gun owners can count on George LeMieux to fight to protect freedom and the Second Amendment.”
Alex Knepper Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
LOL!! There’s no “real” primary in Florida?

You are a real piece of work, Kristofer.
Kristofer Lorelli Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Alex,

This was an excellent choice. I appreciate having an articluate Senator in DC, to help OUR party rebuild.
Chip Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
George LeMieux on the issues:

Gay Marriage: Supported gay adoption and same-sex benefits. Opposed gay marriage but said voters should have the right to decide via referendum.

Oil Drilling: Opposed drilling off Florida’s coast, a proposal again under consideration.

Taxes: Advocated tax reform. Favored a review of, and possible elimination of, sales tax exemptions that favored businesses. “Income taxes unfairly penalize hard work, and a progressive tax system deters hard work. As for sales-tax rebates for stadiums and arenas, I would prioritize our tax money in other ways.”

Abortion: LeMieux said that as a Catholic, he personally opposed abortion “except in limited circumstances such as incest or parental abuse” involving a minor.

Gun Control: Supports the right to bear arms with “reasonable restrictions on gun shows.” “Florida’s laws need to be changed so that the same waiting periods apply to gun shows as gun shops.”

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/george-lemieux-on-the-issues/1031836
Kristofer Lorelli Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
The presser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BgOLFYMNm0
Aron Goldman Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
An important point noted by The Tampa Tribune’s Bill March:

If Crist wins the seat in the 2010 election, LeMieux could resign early, allowing Crist to take the office early and gain an advantage in seniority over other freshman senators.

Broward Republican chairman hails native son’s appointment to U.S. Senate
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/08/broward_republican_chairman_ha.html

Broward Republican Chairman Chip LaMarca today called Gov. Charlie Crist’s appointment of former Broward Republican George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate a “monumental day for Broward County.”

LaMarca released this statement:

“I applaud the Governor’s appointment of our former Chairman George LeMieux to the United States Senate. This is a monumental day for Broward County to have one of our own with a voice in the Senate and within the corridors of power in the nation’s Capitol. I know that Senator LeMieux will not merely warm the seat for the next U.S. Senator, but he will bring fresh ideas to the conversation on healthcare and the struggling economy.

“The needs, interests, and concerns of the Broward business, charitable, and municipal communities will have the ear of our native son, which will be of great benefit to all of our citizens. In the heated debates on health care, national security, immigration reform, education and criminal justice, to name a few, Broward’s voice will be heard now more than ever.

“All Broward Republicans wish Senator LeMieux the best of luck. We are very proud and know he will represent Florida well while in Washington, D.C.”

Robert Wexler: LeMieux will make “excellent” senator
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/08/robert_wexler_lemieux_will_mak.html

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, a Democrat who represents northern and central Broward, praised Gov. Charlie Crist’s selection of George LeMieux as the state’s new Republican U.S. senator.

Wexler’s statement:

“In choosing George LeMieux to be Florida’s next Senator, Governor Crist has reached out to a man I have come to know and respect a great deal.

” I worked closely with George on the issue of establishing a paper trail for Florida voting machines, as well as other issues, and always found him to be a man of great integrity and intelligence.

“As the former Chief of Staff to Florida’s Governor and the chairman of respected Florida law firm Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, George clearly has the background and knowledge to represent Florida well. In short, George LeMieux will make an excellent Senator. I wish him great success and look forward to working with him in any way I can.”

Kendrick Meek bashes Crist’s choice of LeMieux
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/08/kendrick_meek_bashes_crists_ch.html

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is criticizing Gov. Charlie Crist’s decision to appoint George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate.

Meek, a Democrat whose district includes part of South Broward, is seeking the Democratic Senate nomination. Crist is seeking the Republican Senate nomination.

Meek’s statement:

“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.”
Tommy Boy Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
From the editorial board of the St. Petersburg Times

Crist serves himself, not Florida, with appointment
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/crist-serves-himself-not-florida-with-appointment/1031896

Gov. Charlie Crist could have appointed a former congressman, a former legislator, a former Jacksonville mayor, a former state attorney general, or even a former U.S. attorney to the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez. Instead, the governor chose his alter ego to keep the seat warm for 16 months as he campaigns for it. He might as well have appointed himself.

Crist’s selection of George LeMieux, his former campaign manager and chief of staff, should come as no surprise. It’s just one more disappointing decision by Crist in recent months that puts his self-interest in going to Washington above the best interests of Floridians.

On his way to padding his record-breaking Senate campaign account, Crist — the onetime environmental governor — has gutted the state’s growth management laws, trashed its water permitting process and walked away from a laudable climate change agenda.

If he was going to pick LeMieux, Crist should have avoided his self-aggrandizing, taxpayer-financed tour over the past two weeks soliciting applications from prominent Republicans in every corner of the state. It was a waste of time and money and disrespectful of longtime public servants such as U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores.

That’s not to say that LeMieux, an affable and moderate Republican lawyer from Broward County, is not a talented man. But he is first and foremost a political consultant. He was the so-called “maestro” behind Crist’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign, including the decision that Crist would not campaign with then-President George W. Bush in Pensacola.

But he is also the adviser who told Crist he could negotiate a gambling compact with the Seminole Indian Tribe without legislative approval. The Florida Supreme Court disagreed, and Florida now stands to greatly expand parimutuel gambling even though Crist ran on an antigambling agenda.

LeMieux, for all his political savvy, lost his only bid for elective office in 1998 when he ran for the state House. He has no Washington experience. While he has eschewed lobbying, he is an active consultant to the state Republican Party and his firm has a lucrative contract with the state Department of Transportation.

But LeMieux has pledged he will not seek re-election to the Senate, so Crist will not have to run against an incumbent. And it’s unlikely the loyal LeMieux will take any stands contrary to those of candidate Crist. Perhaps, the pair are even hoping LeMieux’s elevated status will set the stage for LeMieux to hop into another statewide race, possibly challenging Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

But no one should confuse Crist’s or LeMieux’s political ambitions with what is in Florida’s best interest. An appointee with congressional experience would have hit the ground running. But now Florida’s junior senator is a Washington neophyte who will be a caretaker — and Crist proxy — in the midst of debate over health care, climate change and a rising federal deficit.

Like Martinez, who resigned after concluding his homesickness trumped his duty to the people of Florida, Crist has let his own personal ambition guide his judgment. How utterly disappointing for a man who likes to call himself the “People’s Governor.”
Aron Goldman Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Another e-mail to hit my inbox from the Florida GOP:

Here’s What They Are Saying…

Governor Crist’s Senate Pick – Former Deputy Attorney General George LeMieux

Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce
“I have had the privilege to frequently work with George LeMieux during his tenure in this administration, on issues ranging from education reform to transportation funding as well as improving our state’s legal climate. I have been consistently impressed with his command of the issues, respect for the process and commitment to the employers that drive Florida’s economy.”

Timothy J. Stapleton, Florida Medical Association Executive Vice President
“In these challenging times, it is important to have someone with a proven public policy background and we believe that George LeMieux is an excellent choice to fill the term of Senator Martinez. We look forward to working with Senator LeMieux on health care reforms that are focused on preserving the doctor-patient relationship. We have worked with George as Deputy Attorney General and as the Chief of Staff for the Governor and believe he will do an outstanding job serving the people of Florida as their Senator. We applaud Governor Crist for his thoughtfulness and wisdom in making this important selection.”

Barney T. Bishop III, Associated Industries of Florida President and CEO
“On behalf of Florida’s business community, we congratulate George on his appointment to the
U.S. Senate and thank Gov. Crist for selecting someone who not only knows the issues, but will approach them with an eye for the impacts it will have on Florida’s economy and employers. At a time when Congress’ actions on issues such as health care reform, climate change and card check have great bearing on Florida’s economic resurgence, George is the right man for the job.
We look forward to working with the state’s newest Senator on the issues most important to the business community and hardworking Floridians.”

Marion Hammer, Executive Director of the Unified Sportsman of Florida and Past President of the National Rifle Association
“The NRA and Unified Sportsmen of Florida are very pleased with Governor Crist’s appointment of George LeMieux as Florida’s new junior U.S. Senator. George is rated ‘A’ by the NRA and will be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment in the U.S. Senate. Gun owners can count on George LeMieux to fight to protect freedom and the Second Amendment.”

Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, Chabad Lubavitch of the Panhandle-Tallahassee
Chabad Lubavitch is the world’s largest Jewish outreach and social services organization.
“Over many years of working with him on a variety of issues, I have found Mr. Lemieux to be open, informed and responsive. His dedication to diversity and equal opportunity are inspiring, and his outreach to various communities across the state has successful brought many different types of people together. I wish him all the best as he continues his public service on behalf of all Floridians, now the Federal level.

Susan N. Story, Chair, The Florida Council of 100
“On behalf of The Florida Council of 100 and business leaders throughout the state, we congratulate Senator-designate LeMieux and look forward to continuing to work with him as he advocates for our great state in the U.S. Senate. Having worked with George LeMieux on issues ranging from education to economic development to property insurance reform, I know that his commitment to all Floridians and to a strong business climate for growing jobs runs deep and that he will make a fine public servant, both for our state and our nation.”

Peter Rummell, Past Chair, The Florida Council of 100
“Senator-designate LeMieux is a tireless advocate for higher education in the state of Florida. Largely to his efforts, Florida’s university system is finally on track to develop the resources it needs to provide its students with the highest quality of education while protecting access for all. The Florida Council of 100 looks forward to continued work with George LeMieux as he advances Florida’s education agenda at the national level.”

Kirk Fordham, CEO, Everglades Foundation
“George LeMieux is the right pick for Florida. He has a deep understanding of a wide range of regional issues that are unique to Florida. When it comes to protecting the people’s water supply and restoring the Everglades, we couldn’t ask for a better ally than we’ll have in Senator George
LeMieux.”

Senator Mel Martinez
“George is bright, capable, and an accomplished administrator. My staff and I stand ready to ensure a smooth transition.”

Chairman Jim 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!”

Attorney General Bill McCollum
“I congratulate George LeMieux on his appointment as Florida’s U.S. Senator. I have known George for a long time, both as a friend and as a former Deputy Attorney General, a capacity in which he served this office well. I wish him the best in serving the people of Florida in the U.S. Senate.”
Right Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
The Senate GOP is now all white. Great.
Kristofer Lorelli Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
#14, not true.. Snowe is practically an Arab.
ItalJoeSD Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Lemieux is Charlie Crist’s EX-TRICK!!!!! Breaking News!!!

August 28, 2009

About George LeMieux

16 Responses to “About George LeMieux”

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