2012 saw a big drop off in votes for President Obama in central Florida's 7th district. In 2008 the R+4 district gave Obama 49% of its vote (164,563). In 2012 that dropped to 155,489 (47%). The Tea Party "Democrat" in the 2012 race against GOP incumbent John Mica, Jason Kendall, only managed 41% (130,509). Mica out-performed Romney by around 13,000 votes, while 25,000 Obama voters refused to vote for Kendall. This year FL-07, Seminole and Orange county suburbs north of Orlando-- Winter Park, Altamont Springs, Forest City, Maitland, Longwood-- and small town Volusia County up through Deltona, has a much more plausible candidate, Wes Neuman. If the DCCC had a pulse, they would realize a 2 or 3 cycle investment in Neuman would spell the end of John Mica's shameful, self-serving career. But they don't have a pulse and they are studiously ignoring Neuman's campaign, focusing their energy and resources on far less vulnerable districts. Wes sent us a guest post, meant to help him get Bill Maher's #FlipADistrict attention. "Here," he wrote "are 10 reasons why Rep. John Mica is the worst Member of Congress."
10 REASONS WHY I’M RUNNING AGAINST THE WORST MEMBER OF CONGRESS-by Wes Neuman1. John Mica said it’s okay for husbands to rape their wives.I will fight to ensure men and women are equal, not be a Mad Men caricature who shares the worldview of Todd Akin.2. John Mica is the #1 ranked Tea Partier in Florida.I will be a leader, not an extremist with a Koch problem-- because that’s bad for America, no matter how you pronounce it.3. John Mica has caused 3 government shutdowns.If only there was a three-strikes law for Congess. How long before John Mica wastes another $24 billion?4. Since John Mica took office in 1993, the U.S. national debt has increased by $13 trillion.We need policymakers who will work to address the student debt crisis, not start land wars in Asia.5. 5 members of John Mica’s family work as lobbyists or in government affairs-- the most in Congress.John Mica is a former lobbyist himself, and his nepotism is precisely why I support term limits.6. John Mica voted against the 9/11 First Responders bill and against implementing the 9/11 Commission’s Recommendations.I’ll be a leader, not a rank-and-file obstructionist.7. John Mica called President Clinton “little bugger”-- from the House Floor.In November 1995, during his first of three government shutdowns, John Mica showed he’s as partisan and as disrespectful as "you lie!" Joe Wilson.8. John Mica caused the 2011 FAA shutdown, which cost Uncle Sam $419.0 million, laid off 70,000 construction workers, and furloughed 4,000 FAA workers.John Mica, who has received $871,838 from the airline industry, is the corporate gun for hire that can’t be allowed a 12th term.9. John Mica’s 11 terms = 1 broken Contract With America.George Washington didn’t need to be told when to step down. Just sayin’.10. GovTrack ranks John Mica worst for transparency, getting bills out of committee, bills passed, and working with the Senate.I’ll be lightyears better than John Mica. Let’s wager Warren Buffet’s $1 billion bracket on that.Better Know The ChallengerI’m running for Congress to be a representative policymaker who will ensure we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Florida deserves the best, not the worst. I want to fight for our future, fight for equality for all, and defeat the real Axis of Evil. I will be a citizen legislator, not a career politician-- in three terms or less, see ya!I’m Wes Neuman, and I approve this message.
