Florida Realtors are delighted about Gov. Charlie Crist’s recent decision to appoint George LeMieux to serve out the remainder of U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez’s term. “At a time when so many important issues facing the property owners and voters of our state are being debated in Congress, we need someone to hit the ground running when they get to Washington,” said 2009 Florida Association of Realtors President Cynthia Shelton. Florida Realtors have worked closely with LeMieux since his term as Florida’s deputy attorney general. “He

understands what’s important to Florida homeowners and will certainly represent these interests well in Washington,” said John Sebree, VP of public policy for the 115,000-member Florida Realtors organization. “Florida Realtors worked closely with George on property tax and property insurance relief efforts when he served as chief of staff to Governor Crist,” Sebree added. “George and I have spoken many times about the importance of stimulating the housing market as a way to create jobs and get Florida, and the entire country, moving in the right direction.” Senators Bill Nelson and Martinez have both been leading a fight in Congress to provide some type of catastrophic insurance relief to property owners. Florida Realtors say they are looking forward to supporting Sen. LeMieux in this bi-partisan effort in Congress. It is reported that Sen. Martinez resigned for personal reasons, and he has recently issued the following statement: “I congratulate George LeMieux for being appointed by the governor to fill the remainder of my term. George is bright, capable, and an accomplished administrator. My staff and I stand ready to ensure a smooth transition.”