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Slade backs LeMieux

Posted Nov 9, 2011 by William March

Updated Nov 9, 2011 at 12:22 PM

George LeMieux has scored a coup in the Republican U.S. Senate primary with an endorsement from former state GOP Chairman Tom Slade.

Slade, a legend within the party for for his crusty candor, skills as a raconteur and his long history dating to when the GOP was an irrelevancy in Florida, was state chairman during the crucial period of 1993-99, while Jeb Bush was seeking and winning the governorship and Republicans were building their first legislative majorities in modern history.

He acknowleded that LeMieux’s greatest problem in the primary is his long association with former Gov. Charlie Crist, now a pariah to Republicans. Backing from establishment party insiders such as Slade is an asset to LeMieux in seeking to overcome that handicap.

“I don’t have to love who he loved to love him,” Slade said. “Charlie Crist has never been one of my favorite people in public office, but I’ve always felt he was a better public servant because George LeMieux was there.”

Slade said his endorsement is based on his history with LeMieux dating to when Slade was state chairman and LeMieux was Broward County party chairman, before his association with Crist.

“I started being very impressed both with his organizational skills and intellect,” Slade said. “I relied upon George LeMieux a lot ... He was responsible for me being a better chairman.” In 18 months as a senator appointed to a temporary term by Crist, “He did an absolutely outstanding job.”

Slade, as a long-time party official who considers Republican wins a top priority, also said LeMieux is likely to be the most electable candidate against incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, because his experience as a senator and as chief of staff to a governor will provide hiim fundraising ability and knowledge of the job that other GOP candidates don’t have.