George LeMieux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George S. LeMieux
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Official portrait, 2009
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| United States Senator from Florida |
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| In office September 9, 2009 – January 3, 2011 |
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| Appointed by | Charlie Crist |
| Preceded by | Mel Martínez |
| Succeeded by | Marco Rubio |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Stephen LeMieux
May 21, 1969 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Emory University (BA) Georgetown University (JD) |
George Stephen LeMieux (born May 21, 1969) is an American politician. He served as a United States Senator for Florida from 2009 to 2011. Before becoming a Senator, he was a top advisor, called "chief of staff," for Florida Governor Charlie Crist. He also helped lead Crist's successful campaign to become governor. In 2009, Governor Crist chose LeMieux to become a U.S. Senator after Senator Mel Martínez left office.
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Early Life and School
George LeMieux was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He grew up in Coral Springs, Florida, and finished high school there in 1987.
He went to Emory University and studied political science. He graduated with high honors in 1991. Later, he earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994.
During his studies, he worked as an intern for a Congressman and a U.S. Senator. After law school, he joined a law firm called Gunster Yoakley & Stewart. He worked there for eight years.
Public Service Career
George LeMieux worked closely with Charlie Crist. He was a key person in Crist's campaign to become Governor of Florida. Their friendship started in the 1990s.
In 1998, LeMieux ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. He visited many homes to talk with voters. He wanted better health insurance and smaller class sizes. Even though he didn't win, he became the head of the Republican Party in Broward County.
In 2002, Charlie Crist asked LeMieux to be his chief of staff when Crist became the Attorney General. LeMieux also led Crist's campaign for governor in 2006. He helped shape Crist's message and made important choices for the campaign. Crist won the election and became Governor of Florida in 2007.
While working in public service, LeMieux managed many lawyers as Deputy Attorney General. He also helped with important talks for the Governor. He oversaw the Governor's plans and how state agencies were managed.
Returning to Private Work
In January 2008, LeMieux went back to the law firm Gunster Yoakley. Within three months, he became the chairman of the firm.
As a U.S. Senator
As a Senator, LeMieux suggested a plan to reduce the national debt. This plan was called "the 2007 Solution."
In May 2010, the Senate approved a change to a financial law that LeMieux helped create. This change aimed to improve how financial companies were rated.
During his time in the Senate, LeMieux was known for supporting businesses and tax reform. He received awards for his work, including one from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
2012 Senate Election Campaign
On April 15, 2011, LeMieux announced he would run for the U.S. Senate again. He wanted to win the seat held by Senator Bill Nelson. LeMieux campaigned on being responsible with money. He stopped his campaign on June 20, 2012. He then supported another Republican candidate, Connie Mack IV.
The LeMieux Center for Public Policy
On December 7, 2012, George LeMieux helped start The LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. This center helps students learn about important issues in Florida, the U.S., and the world. It hosts talks with leaders and offers study programs for students.
LeMieux also decided that his papers and items from his time as a U.S. Senator would be kept at the university's library.
The LeMieux Report
In February 2008, LeMieux started "The LeMieux Report." This was an online newsletter and video series. It shared his thoughts on important legal, business, and political topics in Florida. He wanted to help business leaders understand complex issues easily.
Affiliations and Awards
George LeMieux has been involved in many community and charity groups. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party in Broward County. He also served on advisory boards for the city of Fort Lauderdale.
He was a director for Goodwill of Broward County and a trustee for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Magazines recognized him as a powerful person and someone to watch. In 2006, he received an award for being an "MVP" in a Republican campaign.
Family
George LeMieux has three sons named George, Taylor, and Chase. He also has one daughter named Madeleine.
See also
In Spanish: George LeMieux para niños
