U.S. Sen. George LeMieux’s appearance at a Forum Club of the Palm Beaches lunch today in West Palm Beach puts the spotlight on Florida’s 2012 U.S. Senate race.

Republican LeMieux is winding down a 16-month gig after being appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist in 2009. At the time, Crist was the 2010 Republican Senate frontrunner and LeMieux, his former campaign manager and chief of staff, was seen as a seatwarmer for his ex-boss. LeMieux ended up campaigning for Marco Rubio when Crist bolted the GOP for an independent bid.

Now LeMieux is seen as one of several potential Republican candidates for 2012, when Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is up for reelection. Some other Republicans to watch: former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner of Boca Raton, new state Senate President Mike Haridopolos and U.S. Reps. Connie Mack and Vern Buchanan from Florida’s west coast.