Governor Charlie Crist Friday announced the appointment of former Deputy Attorney General George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate.
LeMieux will serve out the remainder of Senator Mel Martinez’s term, who abruptly announced he was stepping down, several weeks ago.
Said Crist in a news release, “LeMieux played an integral role in the creation of the Florida Cyber Crime Unit,” and was “instrumental in developing legislation to provide handheld devices to protect our children and to improve higher education for our students”.
LeMieux is considered perhaps to be the closest adviser of Crist, who at one time served as his campaign manager and Chief of Staff. Although LeMieux left the chief of staff position in December 2007, Crist continued to rely on his advice on political and policy issues.
In choosing LeMieux, many say that Crist has put trust and loyalty over knowledge and experience of working in the senate.
LeMieux was selected from a final slate of nine candidates, including U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, Mike Bilirakis and Lou Frey.
LeMieux, who was born and raised in Broward County was elected twice as the county’s Republican Party chair.  He lost his bid in 1998 for a state House seat. LeMieux will serve in the U.S. Senate seat which Crist hopes to win in November 2010.
Said LeMieux after being interviewed for the position, “I’m a Charlie Crist Republican”. This says it all!
