Scott Powers
At least one national observer now believes the race between Republican U.S. Rep. John Mica and Democratic challenger Stephanie Murphy is now a toss-up in the Seminole County-based Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
The closely watched Cook Political Report changed its rating of the district race for the second time in a week Thursday. It has gone from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican” to, as of Thursday, “toss-up.”
Mica’s long been an entrenched incumbent whose conservative views always have flexed just enough for him to have a reputation as someone willing to cross the aisle, especially on issues affecting Central Florida, such as getting federal approval for things like SunRail, the new Veterans Medical Center and the National Simulation Center. He’s served 12 terms and hasn’t had a serious challenge in more than a decade.
But along comes Murphy, a former U.S. Defense Department analyst and current college professor with an engaging personal story and the full backing of national Democratic organizations who see the redistricted district as purple and Mica as out of touch with its new, younger, more diverse electorate. Those groups are backing her with millions of dollars of TV commercials and mailers.
“Now, this contest is shaping up to be the ultimate House race of 2016,” Cook is reporting on its assessment of the race today.
“It’s rare to find a last-minute candidate straight out of central casting, but Murphy is an immigrant and suburban mom with a business and counterterrorism background and no political record to attack,” Cook reports. “At 38, she cuts a stark contrast to Mica, who is 73 and was first elected in 1992. And although Murphy got a late fundraising start, Democratic groups have reserved $4 million in the Orlando market and Mica had just $788,000 in mid-August.”
CD 7 is now one of three congressional districts in the Sunshine State Cook is rating as a toss-up, along with Florida’s 18th and 26th Congressional Districts.
5 comments
Nicole
September 29, 2016 at 4:29 pm
A stark contrast indeed… She would be a no name freshman in Congress unable to get a bill heard in committee whereas Mica is a deal maker who works with both sides to get things done.
Joel Hawksley
September 29, 2016 at 5:22 pm
A person or thing intended to deceive others, typically by unjustifiably claiming or being credited with accomplishments or qualities is the definition of fraud. Sounds a lot like Stephanie Murphy and her rise in a party she wasn’t even an active member of until she filed. As special interests try to buy our congressional district we’ve got Nancy Pelosi spending millions of dollars to try and defeat one of the most effective Congressmen. US Rep. John Mica has worked harder for veterans, seniors, transportation, aviation, and many other issues without ever abandoning Florida’s needs. This election is about making sure we have at least one representative that can get results. Even the most avid proponent of term limits would change if they had their own Mica in congress.
factchecker67
October 1, 2016 at 2:33 am
Funny watching her addressing the Dem. Convention on national security when she hasn’t had a security clearance for over eight years, instead working for a hedge fund. Dems ate blinded by their hatred of Mica, but their hatred is unjust. Better to give Mica a last term and find a qualified candidate next election
factchecker67
October 1, 2016 at 2:41 am
If you freeze frame her campaign ad, she is receiving a group award from Asst
Sec. Def. and a plaque for a 6 month assignment, not the DOD award for Exceptional Civilian Service. I demand proof that she was awarded it as she claims.
factchecker67
October 1, 2016 at 2:21 am
Except that Murphy is a part time instructor, not professor, is a director of an organization that promotes foreign workers over US citizens, did not work for DOD until two years after 9/11 while she went from working then back to grad school. She worked for a hedge fund for the last eight years and may be losing about being awarded the DOD Exceptional Service Award. Her family left Vietnam not as refugees but because the father evaded military service. They came fraudulently as the father wrecked the boat’s engine to feign a rescue situation (in effect diverting naval recue from someone in real need). Even the military pictures were likely taken during common employee boondoggles and are not mission oriented as depicted. This candidate is a creation of Madison Avenue
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