Show LeMieux the money

FEBRUARY 10, 2008

Shortly before Gov. Charlie Crist's former chief of staff left government to return to his old law firm, the firm landed a $500,000 contract with the state Transportation Department. George LeMieux, whom Crist nicknamed "the maestro" for his role in the governor's 2006 victory, said he played no role in the state's decision to hire his firm.

The agency confirmed that and said LeMieux's firm, Gunster Yoakley, was selected because of the expertise of a partner in railroad law. The one-year contract seeks the firm's advice as the state pursues purchase of the Florida East Coast Railroad, a key corridor bisecting heavily congested South Florida.

The contract is one of two assignments LeMieux has secured since leaving Crist's administration last month. He's also now a paid consultant, expected to earn about $10,000 a month, to state Republican Party chairman Jim Greer, meaning that LeMieux will continue to play a strategic role in the 2008 presidential election and beyond.

Full story here.

Posted by Adam Smith at 9:06:15 am on February 10, 2008 in

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