News

LeMieux Statement on President's Guantanamo Bay Decision

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today made the following statement regarding President Obamas decision to move detainees from Guantanamo Bay to an Illinois state prison.

LeMieux said:

The Presidents decision to move dozens of terror suspects from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to an Illinois jail is another mistaken step in this Administrations stubborn insistence to turn the global war on terror into a law enforcement effort. The detention facility at GITMO is uniquely suited to hold and try these terror suspects and todays decision makes Americans less safe.

Sen. LeMieux Urges Obama Administration to Speak Out on Iran

WASHINGTON U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today issued a statement about the escalating protests in the streets of Tehran, Iran. Senator LeMieux is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committees Emerging Threats subcommittee.

Senator LeMieux said:

Iranian students, men and women, are spontaneously gathering in schools and public places in Tehran to renew their demands for free elections and an end to the violence and persecution by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads regime. Some use signs written in English to let the West know of their plight. These protestors gather at great risk to their personal safety and that of their relatives. According to the U.N., more than 4,000 Iranians have fled their country to escape the regimes brutal crackdown unleashed on the Iranian people for contesting the results of the June elections.

Throughout the Cold War, America maintained a clear and strong support for democratic voices inside the Communist world while still negotiating with their tyrannical leaders.

It is not enough to bear witness to the present situation in Iran. I strongly urge President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to call on Iranian authorities to end the persecution of its own people and respect their fundamental right to freely choose their leaders. I further urge the Administration to provide robust funding for organizations working to improve Irans human rights record.

Republicans Pick Up Mayoral Seat In Lakeland

TallahasseeRepresentative Jennifer Carroll (R-Fleming Island), Chairman of the African American Republican Leadership Council (AARLC), and Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today congratulated Gow Fields on his election to serve as mayor of Lakeland and Phillip Walker, a member of the AARLC, on his election to the Lakeland City Commission.

I am proud to congratulate Mayor-elect Fields and Commissioner-elect Walker on their outstanding victories, said Representative Carroll. Across the country, the results of Novembers election demonstrated that Independent and Democrat voters are dissatisfied with the Democrat-style of leadership and willing to look to the Republican side of the aisle for leaders who better reflect their values. As a result of yesterdays run-off election, we now have additional African American Republican leaders in Lakeland who will work hard to reflect Republican values in their public service.

I commend the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans and the African American Republican Leadership Council for their valiant grassroots effort in these races, continued Representative Carroll.

Republican Caucus Designates Mike Haridopolos for Republican-Senate President Designate

Tallahassee - The Republican Caucus of the Florida Senate today unanimously nominated Senator Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) as the Republican Senate President-Designee for the 2010-2012 term.

During a ceremonial caucus meeting held in the Senate Chambers and presided over by Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach), Senator Mike Haridopolos was nominated by his fellow Republicans and heralded for his long standing and unwavering commitment to the founding principles of the Republican Party.

Mike Haridopolos is a Reagan Republican who has never let any issue, adversary or current event change his core principles of lower taxes, less government, and more personal freedom, said President Atwater. Sitting here today, with his wife and children by his side, I know Mike will hold true to his words of loyalty and dedication to the Florida Senate, and I am honored to be a part of designating our chamber's next leader.

I am not one to shy away from difficult choices. Those who know me know who I am

and what I stand for, said President-Designate Mike Haridopolos. I plan to lead and take a

stand on tough issues. This is an opportunity I'm looking forward to.

LeMieux: Commuter Rail Support Highlights Commitment to High-Speed Rail

WASHINGTON U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today made the following statement after learning the Florida Senate passed a bill to implement SunRail, a commuter rail project in Central Florida. The bill includes language to provide $15 million annually for the Tri-Rail, South Floridas commuter rail. It also contains a dedicated funding source for future rail projects, including high-speed rail.

Today, the Florida Legislature put the interests of Floridians first by supporting commuter rail in Central and South Florida, said Senator LeMieux. With support for rail from the state, Floridas chances of winning federal high-speed rail money greatly improve. A high-speed rail corridor will put Floridians to work, it will drive economic development and create new mega-corridors of activity beneficial to our state. I thank Governor Crist, President Atwater, Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson and Speaker Cretul for their leadership and working to make Floridas vision of creating a high-speed rail network a reality. I also appreciate Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyers unwavering commitment to the project through his role as Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission Board of Directors.