AP is reporting that Fla. Governor Charlie Crist has choosen his former chief of staff, George LeMieux, to replace outgoing Fla. senator, Mel Martinez:
A state lawmaker says Gov. Charlie Crist is picking his former chief of staff George LeMieux (leh-'MEW) to replace Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, who is resigning.
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By choosing LeMieux, Crist picked the candidate he trusts most to fill out the term that expires in January 2011. Crist is running for the seat in next year's election.
No better way to protect your own interest in becoming a future senator than picking a placeholder such as LeMieux. Can't really blame Crist; wise move. Having lived in Florida for over a decade, I've had real interest in this selection, although to be frank, I have no idea what LeMieux's political philosophy looks like. Is he a squishy, mavericky type like his boss? Is he Rubio-esque? (Highly unlikely) Anyone around close to Fla. politics to weigh in and give an opinion on what to expect from LeMieux?