Unlike the election two years ago, U.S. Rep. John Mica has an opponent this year.

Though it may be a bad election for Republicans, Mica should be in no danger of losing his seat.

His record - and reputation - are simply too good.

Mica is seeking an eighth term to represent Florida's 7th Congressional District, which stretches from Ponte Vedra Beach all the way south to the Orlando area.

His challenger is John Chagnon, a former Marine and teacher who resides in St. Augustine Beach.

Chagnon correctly asserts that Mica would lose some clout if Democrats gain control of the House, as many pundits believe is likely.

But that might not happen. And even if it does, it's difficult to imagine how a newcomer - even in the majority party - would be more effective than Mica.

He has been a leading voice on transportation, aviation safety and drug policy.

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, for example, it was Mica who authored the bill creating the Transportation Security Administration to protect Americans from future terrorist attacks.

And when Great Britain stopped a plot to blow up jetliners over the Atlantic Ocean recently, the national media quickly sought him out.

Mica, chairman of a House aviation subcommittee, did not disappoint.

Complaining that U.S. airports still cannot easily detect liquid explosives, Mica told The Los Angeles Times that the Department of Homeland Security should be spending more money on technology - even if that means cutting back on personnel.

That probably isn't what the Republican president wanted to hear, but it was what he needed to hear.

National Journal calls Mica "a consistent conservative and brash reformer."

True. But he isn't a rigid ideologue.

He has been effective.

Though Duval County is not in the district, Mica has taken the initiative to offer help on major issues like the murder rate.

There is no compelling reason to toss Mica out of office - and plenty of reasons to keep him there to serve his constituents.