Congress, District 7: John Mica Faye Armitage is more aligned with us ideologically – ending the Iraq War, universal health care, etc. – but U.S. Rep. Mica has spent the last 16 years gaining all-important seniority and becoming the region’s mass transportation point person. We need better mass transit, and that means we can’t afford to lose Mica.

Republican John Mica is an incumbent voters can feel good about sending back to Washington. First elected in 1992, Mr. Mica is his party's leader on transportation issues in Congress. He almost single-handedly created the opportunity for commuter rail in Central Florida by lining up federal funding for the system. He is a nationally recognized expert on airport security. He still finds time to be attentive to other needs in his district.

Mr. Mica's Democratic opponent, Faye Armitage, is a former economics professor and a political activist. She is well-meaning, but no match for Mr. Mica.

The Sentinel endorses John Mica in the 7th Congressional District.

Neither Democratic challenger presents a viable option

In their August 2nd editorial, the Daytona Beach News-Journal refused to endorse either Democrat running in the 7th Congressional District, stating that voters should vote for Rep. John Mica November 4th.  Read excerpts below:

“In the Aug. 26 primary, two Democrats are vying for the chance to face 24-year incumbent U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, in November. The contest is something akin to two fish fighting to be a shark's dinner. Mica has far more money than either challenger. That might not matter if either Democrat provided a compelling argument that they can serve this area better than Mica.”

“…Mica does a decent job of seeing to the local needs of a far-flung district that starts in Jacksonville, takes in all of Flagler and east Volusia counties and extends to Casselberry. “

“During his most recent term, Mica scrambled for funds to save a planned housing project for chronically homeless people in Daytona Beach, worked to bring new airlines to Daytona Beach International Airport and brokered a meeting between federal, state and local emergency-management officials on storm preparedness. It's a commitment that goes beyond pork: Mica pays attention to the needs of District 7 -- including local officials' battles to preserve mental-health and substance abuse treatment, and protect natural resources. And he works to see that those needs are met, even when he doesn't get cooperation -- his persistence in pushing for commuter rail linking DeLand to the Orlando area is admirable. “

“…neither candidate has made the case to replace Mica in November.

· RECOMMENDATION: John Mica for Congressional District 7. No recommendation in the Aug. 26 Democratic primary.

Americans For Prosperity, a grassroots advocacy and educational organization released the 2007-2008 Freedom From Oil Scorecard, giving Rep. John Mica a 100% ranking.  

The Scorecard ranks lawmakers based on a composite score of eight roll call votes and co-sponsorship of three initiatives that would positively or negatively impact gas and energy prices. Co-sponsorships of bills that would allow off-shore and ANWR drilling were scored positively, while co-sponsorship of a cap-and-trade regulatory regime was scored negatively. Lawmakers received positive marks for votes against punitive tax hikes on domestic oil and energy, and negative marks for a vote to oppose opening the outer continental shelf to natural gas exploration.

AFP is an organization of grassroots leaders who engage citizens in the name of limited government and free markets on the local, state and federal levels. The grassroots members of AFP advocate for public policies that champion the principles of entrepreneurship and fiscal and regulatory restraint.  For more information: http://www.americansforprosperity.org