Editorial boards mighty unimpressed with George LeMieux pick

Tampa Tribune: In choosing his longtime political confidante and former chief of staff George LeMieux to fill Mel Martinez' seat in the U.S. Senate, Gov. Charlie Crist did what he usually does: what's best for Charlie....While no outrage, the choice of a political operative is hardly inspiring. Still, we wish Florida's new senator good luck.

Orlando Sentinal: It's also not hard to imagine Mr. LeMieux lending his ear to some interests more than others. An attorney, Mr. LeMieux's firm represents U.S. Sugar and Florida Power & Light, among other corporate clients. We hope he'll show better sense than extending them carte blanche.

And better judgment than when he steered Mr. Crist to select Jeff Kottkamp for lieutenant governor. Floridians can thank Mr. Martinez for this state of affairs. For no good reason he quit on them. And they can thank Mr. Crist, who in his choice of Mr. LeMieux again placed his interests above theirs.

Palm Beach Post: Then there's the issue of Gunster, the Fort Lauderdale-based firm where Mr. LeMieux is chairman. The Gunster tie was a problem in the deal to buy U.S. Sugar's land; Gunster represents U.S. Sugar, the governor pushed the deal and the terms favored the company. How will Mr. LeMieux vote on the farm bill, which includes the loan program that creates a price support for sugar?

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/08/editorial-boards-mighty-unimpressed-with-george-lemieux-pick.html