Broward News

LeMieux's Appointment a Milestone for Broward

As far as I can tell -- and I'm going by this list, the most immediate one available -- there has never been a U.S. Senator from Broward County. So what does it say about this county's history of incestuous, corrupt politics that the breakthrough would finally come not through...

By Thomas Francis

August 28, 2009

[
        {
          "name": "Editor Picks / STN Combo",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

As far as I can tell -- and I'm going by this list, the most immediate one available -- there has never been a U.S. Senator from Broward County. So what does it say about this county's history of incestuous, corrupt politics that the breakthrough would finally come not through an election but through an appointment and that it would take the form of a political player like George LeMeiux? The only election the guy's ever won was for the county's Republican Party.

And that's really the most offensive part of this. By appointing a senator, Charlie Crist was going to be engaging in an undemocratic act regardless. But out of respect for that sacred American institution he could have at least chosen someone who has experience in forging the kind of consensus opinion among citizens necessary to win a general election.

Keep

Free

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1.