Would LeMieux Endorse Rubio if Crist Goes Indy?

Sen. George LeMieux, the architect of Charlie Crist gubernatorial campaign, who owes his current job to the governor, is said to be considering giving an endorsement to Marco Rubio in the event that Crist declares as an independent candidate, according to a report in Hotline, the National Journal blog.Sources close...

By Thomas Francis

April 23, 2010

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Sen. George LeMieux, the architect of Charlie Crist gubernatorial campaign, who owes his current job to the governor, is said to be considering giving an endorsement to Marco Rubio in the event that Crist declares as an independent candidate, according to a report in Hotline, the National Journal blog.

Sources close to LeMieux said they believe he has made his decision, and that he will stick with the party over the person. LeMieux has talked the decision over with his advisors and staff, and they believe LeMieux would endorse ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) if Crist makes his switch official.

"He's made his position pretty clear. He's been a life-long Republican," said one source who asked not to be named revealing internal discussions.

The idea is that LeMieux wants to run for Senate against Bill Nelson in 2012, which would be harder if he's tied to Crist's sinking political fortunes. But can you imagine LeMieux sandbagging a close friend and political ally purely for his own personal gain?

Yeah, I can too.

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