Challenger John "Jack" Chagnon (FL-07) is demanding that Congressman Mica apologize to all Florida residents for his stunningly insensitive, arrogant, and patronizing interview on Orlando's CBS Affiliate Channel 6. Watch this unbelievable video at www.local6.com/problemsolvers/10228089/detail.html?taf=orlpn
Mr. Mica -- House point man on airport security - summarily dismissed taped evidence of dangerously lax security procedures at Orlando International Airport (OIA). This is another new low for a Republican who has stayed too long in Congress. Mr. Mica not only downplays these security breaches, but even takes a flippant attitude towards victims of other airport bombings.
It all began when a Channel 6 reporter decided to see what would happen if he left several bags unattended around hallways inside OIA, one of the nation's busiest airports. This prime tourist destination is a ripe target for terrorism. The unattended bags went unnoticed by airport personnel for as much as an hour -- a clear breach of security. The reporter confronted Congressman John Mica, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee's Aviation Subcommittee, with this news. How did Mica respond? With an ignorant grin: "It doesn't bother me. Did it explode?"
And this wasn't a slip of the tongue or even a "botched joke." Instead, acting more like an incumbent caught AWOL from his guard post, Mica lashed out defensively. He lectured the reporter that this critical lapse in basic security procedure was unimportant: "Did it pose a threat as an explosive? No, it didn't."
The reporter, baffled by Mica's irresponsible attitude, tried to remind the Aviation Chairman about the very real risks of these unattended bags. Mica seemed hardly to care less, as he condescendingly engaged in the following exchange:
Mica: "And does that really pose a risk?"
Reporter: "Well, I think --"
Mica: "What kind of damage is it gonna do?"
Reporter: "If that bag exploded, it could kill --"
Mica: "Who? Who? How many? I'm more concerned about them taking down an aircraft, young man."
But Mr. Mica should know about the numerous incidents of airport bombings worldwide, several resulting in heavy casualties.
Fortunately, Channel 6 received an entirely different response when then showed their unattended bag tapes to OIA officials. In contrast to Mr. Mica's smugness and histrionic outbursts, the airport officials gave the matter their full attention and pledged to take immediate action to redress the danger.
When terrorism analysts outline their nightmare attack scenarios, one frequently mentioned is an orchestrated assault on Orlando's major concentration of theme parks. Flights into nearby Orlando International are part of millions of tour packages. On any given day, OIA is packed with Disney vacationers. It is outrageous that the Chair of the House Aviation Committee would reject any need to protect the safety of one of the world's largest tourist destinations. Mr. Mica sounds like he is giving terrorists carte blanch to attack the gateway to America's foremost family vacation. His bemused apathy is not what the nation needs as Congress' chair of aviation oversight.
Fortunately, the new Democratic majority will relieve Republicans of any further committee chair responsibilities. And this 7-term incumbent faces formidable opposition this election cycle from Jack Chagnon, a proud Democrat and ex-Marine. Jack Chagnon is running a vigorous grassroots campaign in an almost-purple district that stretches from southern Jacksonville down the coast to Daytona Beach and west into the northern suburbs of Orlando. Mica wants to have nothing to do with him. He has ducked Jack at every local event and backed out of each scheduled TV debate. And who can blame Mica. After all, a recent poll showed the Congressman's appalling voting record on Iraq, the environment, energy, health care, and education is totally out of step with voters in his district. One last debate is scheduled on Saturday, but Mr. Mica will most likely again be represented by an empty chair.
He's bought TV ad time this weekend on cable stations, Spanish language radio, as well as a mailout to independent voters. But he could really use your support at ActBlue for one final push: www.actblue.com/page/chagnon4congress
And if you live in Florida's 7th Congressional District, we could use your volunteer efforts in these closing days. Watch his new TV spot on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ3rvp3maNQ
Email us at Chagnon4congress@aol.com
and get informed about our race at www.johnchagnon2006.com
Now, onward to victory!