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 (/ləˈmjuː/; born May 21, 1969) is an American politician. He served as a United States Senator for Florida from 2009 to 2011. Before that, he was a top advisor, or Chief of Staff, to Florida Governor Charlie Crist. He also worked as the Deputy Florida Attorney General. Today, he is the chairman of a law firm called Gunster Yoakley & Stewart. In 2009, Governor Crist chose LeMieux to become a U.S. Senator. He took the place of Mel Martínez, who had resigned.
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Early Life and Education
George LeMieux was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 21, 1969. His parents were Karen Ann and George Harvey LeMieux. He grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. In 1987, he graduated from Coral Springs High School.
He then went to Emory University. He studied political science there and graduated with high honors in 1991. After that, he earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994.
During his studies, he worked as an intern for Congressman E. Clay Shaw Jr. and Senator Connie Mack III. In 1994, he joined the law firm Gunster Yoakley & Stewart. He worked there for eight years. Later, he became Florida's Deputy Attorney General. In this role, he managed many lawyers and staff.
Public Service Career
George LeMieux worked closely with Charlie Crist. He helped Crist a lot during his campaign to become Governor of Florida. Their friendship started in the 1990s. At that time, Crist was a state senator. LeMieux was working to make the Republican Party stronger in Broward County.
In 1998, LeMieux ran for the state House of Representatives. He campaigned for better health insurance and smaller class sizes. He also wanted to limit how much money out-of-state companies could give to Florida politicians. This would help regular working people have a bigger say. After losing the election, LeMieux 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 Attorney General. LeMieux took this job in January 2003. He also led Crist's successful campaign for governor in 2006. As campaign chief of staff, LeMieux helped shape Crist's message. He made important choices during the campaign.
When Crist became Governor of Florida in 2007, LeMieux continued to serve in public office. As Deputy Attorney General, he managed over 400 lawyers. As Chief of Staff to the Governor, he helped with important negotiations. He also oversaw the Governor's legislative plans and managed state agencies.
Returning to Private Work
In January 2008, LeMieux went back to the law firm Gunster Yoakley. Within three months, he was named chairman of the firm.
Serving as U.S. Senator
LeMieux served as a U.S. Senator from 2009 to 2011. During his time in the Senate, he proposed a plan to reduce the national debt.
In May 2010, the Senate approved an amendment he wrote with Senator Maria Cantwell. This amendment aimed to improve financial rules. It encouraged institutions to carefully check the value of assets they held.
LeMieux was also involved in discussions about President Barack Obama's choice for Ambassador to Brazil. The nominee, Thomas A. Shannon Jr., was eventually approved.
During his time as Senator, LeMieux was known for supporting businesses and tax reform. He received awards for his work. For example, he got a high rating from the National Taxpayer Union. He also received the "Spirit of Enterprise" award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
2012 Senate Election Campaign
In April 2011, LeMieux announced he would run for the U.S. Senate again. He wanted to win the seat held by Bill Nelson. LeMieux campaigned on a platform of being responsible with money. However, he decided to stop his campaign in June 2012. He then supported another Republican, Connie Mack IV.
The LeMieux Center for Public Policy
In December 2012, LeMieux helped start The LeMieux Center for Public Policy. This center is at Palm Beach Atlantic University. It helps students learn about important issues in Florida, the U.S., and the world. The center hosts talks with officials, journalists, and other leaders. It also offers a special study program for students. LeMieux 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 offered his thoughts on important legal, business, and political topics in Florida. He wanted to help business leaders understand complex issues. He said his goal was to share analysis with Florida's leaders.
LeMieux was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1994. This means he became a licensed lawyer in Florida. He is also allowed to practice law in other important courts, including the United States Supreme Court.
Affiliations and Awards
George LeMieux has been involved in many civic and charity groups. He was the Chairman of the Broward County Republican Party. He also led Jeb Bush's re-election campaign. He served on the Fort Lauderdale Beach Redevelopment Advisory Board. He was a director for Goodwill of Broward County and Riverwalk, Inc. He was also a trustee for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
In 2002, he was named one of the "50 Most Powerful People in Broward County." He also received the "Pollie" award in 2006. This award recognized him as the nation's "MVP" in a Republican campaign. He also led the team that helped Governor Crist transition into office.
Family Life
George LeMieux has three sons named George, Taylor, and Chase. He also has one daughter named Madeleine.
