John Mica’s response to Democratic challenger Stephanie Murphy’s candidacy in Florida 7th Congressional District was embarrassing. Mica foolishly and inaccurately criticized Murphy for being a “political appointee” at the Defense Department. Mica, who hasn’t ever really had to run in a competitive general election, clearly forgot to lace up his running shoes, and ended up falling flat on his face.
“John Mica is so out of touch that he can’t even be bothered to get facts right before launching into predictable partisan attacks,” said Jermaine House of the DCCC. “This is yet another example of Mica’s ‘speak first, think later’ approach that voters will not forget come November.”
The Hill – 12-term GOP rep gets Dem challenger in Florida
Rep. John Mica (R) now has a Democrat gunning for his seat representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
College professor Stephanie Murphy on Thursday filed to run for Mica’s House seat, Floridapolitics.com reported.
“I don’t know John, but I think he’s on the wrong side of history on a couple of points, particularly in light of the tragedy that happened in Orlando,” she said in a statement, referencing a mass shooting there on June 12.
“He has voted against ‘no fly, no buy,’ and as a person with a national security background and as a mom I just find that to be an unconscionable position,” added Murphy, a former Department of Defense (DOD) analyst. “It’s clear that’s a common sense solution that can be easily implemented.”
Mica’s campaign on Thursday dismissed Murphy as not a threat to the 12-term incumbent Congressman.
“In desperation, the DCCC recruited a last-minute candidate, a former administration political appointee,” said campaign spokesman Alan Byrd, referencing the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “In the past, Mica defeated, after redistricting, a $5 million self-funder by nearly 20 points. Right now, however, Mica is focused on issues around transportation, jobs, seniors and veterans.”
Floridapolitics.com clarified Murphy was not a political appointee, adding she served in DOD under former President George W. Bush.