Gov. Crist Appoints Personal Crony to US Senate

Gov. Crist today made the appointment of George Lemieux to fulfill the remainder of Sen. Mel Martinez’ term and represent Florida in the U.S. Senate for the next seventeen months.

Statement of Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo:

“It’s shocking. We wonder why Gov. Crist didn’t just appoint himself if he was going to pick his former chief of staff and campaign ‘maestro’.

“The so-called ‘People’s Governor’ has made clear through this appointment that he places personal loyalty and his own political benefit above the interests of Floridians.

“In the next seventeen months, the U.S. Senate will vote on some of the most profound issues in the history of our country including health care reform, an overhaul of financial services and climate change.

“Instead of an experienced statesman looking out for the best interests of Floridians in these critical debates, we get a partisan political operator who will vote based on one criteria and one criteria only – what will best help his former boss win election in 2010.”

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Progress Florida is a non-profit, statewide organization supporting progressive solutions for Florida. Visit us at http://www.ProgressFlorida.org.