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So long, George LeMieux.
The former interim senator has dropped his bid to return to DC, and has left Rep. Connie Mack IV as the likely Republican nominee to take on Sen. Bill Nelson in November. LeMieux was never able to overcome his connection to former Gov. Charlie Crist, nor Mack’s name recognition and fund raising advantages.
“While our campaign has been strong, gaining support and winning straw polls, the decision has been made by party leadership that there is a better candidate to face Bill Nelson,” LeMieux said in a video message.
“The establishment has thrown their support behind my competitor, Connie Mack. Ahead of us in the polls, the Mack name enjoys widespread recognition that can only be matched with substantial advertising or the opportunity to debate on statewide television.”
Mack not only enjoys the name recognition oh his father, former Sen. Connie Mack III, but his famous baseball manager great-grandfather. LeMieux was left standing as his only real competition, but as a former close political ally of Charlie Crist he was never able to find favor with many Republican voters.
He filled the rest of Mel Martinez’s senate term in through 2009 and 2010 after being appointed by Crist, and racked up a respectably conservative voting record. Though, his lack of experience as an actual candidate surely hurt him.
While there are a handful of other candidate vying for the nomination, the move almost assuredly leaves Mack as the likely nominee.
