Oh, no! 2012 already?

From Eric Dondero:

Florida Senator George Lemieux, appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, strongly endorsed Marco Rubio over Crist for the Senate seat.

According to NewsMax this morning:

“I’m a friend of the governor and very appreciative of the opportunity he’s given me for public service.” Lemieux also served as Crist’s chief of staff.

But when he left the Republican Party, I could no longer support him, and I think that’s how most Republicans in Florida feel,” Lemieux said.

“Marco is a person of conviction, he’s a man of ideas. I think he’ll do a very fine job in the Senate.”

But in making the announcement, veiled as an un-announcement, LeMieux had a bit of an announcement of his own. Continuing:

Lemieux did nothing to stifle the talk that he will try to return to the Senate himself, challenging Democrat Bill Nelson in 2012. “I have no announcement today. I’m trying to do the best I can as senator from Florida in the time I have,” he said.

“We’ll see what the future holds. I’ll keep my options open. I would hope that I’d have an opportunity for public service again in the future.”

Lemieux, prior to his appointment was considered a moderate-leaning conservative. But he has surprise many. He's turned out to be quite the budget hawk. American Spectator even reports that his views now "resonates with most red-meat Republicans."

In his short time in office, he's racked up an impressive 86% ACU rating, and 100% on Eagle Forum (Phyliss Schaffley) and the American Security Council (National Defense issue). He even drew the visceral wrath of ultra-liberal Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow on the Senate floor back in June for strongly opposing the imposition of an Estate Tax. (Source: ThinkProgress)