In an ironic twist the day before the end of one of the most brutal primaries in the country. Fellow House Representatives John Mica and Sandy Adams spent part of the last day before their showdown working together.
The occasion was a progress hearing on the badly delayed and poorly managed construction of the Orlando VA hospital. Both lawmakers were on hand to monitor the progress being made. Both lawmakers have been “outfront” in finding the circumstances behind the problems that affect veterans in both of their districts.
Redistricting has merged those districts and caused one of the most bitter intra-party battles in recent months and has been attracting press from all over the country. There has been a strong establishment vs. Tea Party vibe in the race with Adams grabbing endorsements from Sarah Palin,fellow freshman Rep Allen West, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Mica has received the endorsement of former Arkansas Governor, Presidential candidate, and FOX Commentator Mike Huckabee. Today, the Orlando Sentinel announced that he has also received the endorsement of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.
The timing of the Jacobs endorsement is curious. If they just received it, there is little time to put it to use and notify voters. And why would Jacobs jump into the fray so late in the game and risk alienating a portion of her base? Still, it’s a possible mind-changer to the few that are still undecided at this point.
The outcome of tomorrow night’s contest isn’t worthy of celebration for Central Florida Republicans. They will either lose a 20 year incumbent who carries a high Transportation Chairman title and a lot of political currency on capitol hill or a promising Freshman who never missed a vote and was far more accessible to her constituents. Central Florida Veterans will lose a voice in the struggle to mobilize a lazy organization to build a medical facility to provide badly needed care.
That’s how this campaign really began and that’s how it’s going to finish.
