Meet Sandy Adams, one of the loud and proud Tea Party freshmen. And one that’s perfectly capable of speaking for herself:
Rep. Adams was elected in 2010 in what the Democrats call the “Red Wave” and has an incredible and inspiring personal story. Due to the Florida redistricting fiasco, Rep. Adams was plopped in to a primary against twenty year incumbent and Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, John Mica.
Rep. Mica who co-authored the bill that created everyone’s favorite molestation agency, the TSA, is also known for his devout love of earmarks. Rep. Mica reportedly requested $4 billion in earmarks during his tenure, $13 million of which went to his daughter’s client. But it gets better. Turn’s out, Rep. Mica is also President Obama’s “biggest cheerleader.” His words. Take a look:
Rep. Adams who’s garnered the endorsements of Governor Sarah Palin, Erick Erickson, Stephen Kruiser, Rep. Allen West, and the Tea Party Express explained the importance of winning this primary, “The people won back this seat and this voice. We can’t afford a twenty year incumbent who’s a career politician. He’s become part of the system instead of being part of the solution. When that happens, the people lose.”
Already prioritizing for her next term in office, Rep. Adams indicated getting our country back on track and returning to our Constitutional roots were her biggest concerns. She explained that the two are interconnected and that the current level of government involvement in the lives of Americans is unprecedented. Rep. Adams was particularly incensed with the Obama administration for allowing federal agencies to side-step the Constitution citing Health and Human Services as an example. “Never in our lifetime has government defined religion, until now,” she said.
Despite her primary predicament, Rep. Sandy Adams is hopeful about the upcoming election:
I’m very hopeful that we’ll get enough conservative Senators to flip control of the Senate. I’m hopeful we will take control away from Harry Reid and put someone in charge that’s willing to work for the people, not block for the President. I’m hopeful that Mitt Romney will win this race and with him winning, with good conservatives in both the House and the Senate, we will be in a place to control our debt, our defiict and spending. The eighty-seven freshman sent to the House was the message the American people sent to Washington. Harry Reid totally ignored it and the President ignored it but the House had to listen because there were so many of us. Once we get good, conservative leadership, we can get government working for the people again instead of having the people work for the government.
Reiterating the seriousness of this race, Rep. Adams explained, “My interest is the people of Central Florida, that’s who I fight for. This is not just about Central Florida, this is about where we go as a nation. If we keep allowing twenty year career politicians who’ve been there and been part of the problem by helping create this mess, then we’re expecting something different while repeating our mistakes.” Receiving national attention, this primary race is viewed by many as the quintessential Tea Party versus “Establishment” race. “This race is a fight for the heart and soul and direction of the Republican Party. Are we going to continue big spending and if so, what does that mean for us?” Adams posited.
Facing an incumbent with deep pockets and connections poses a challenge, but definitely not one that’s insurmountable. This primary season, race, after race has showcased the power of grassroots and the ability of the individual to make a difference. The Florida primary is Tuesday, August 14. Anything you can pitch in helps. Whether it’s donating $5 to Rep. Adams, telling your friends in Central Florida to get out and vote next Tuesday, or tweeting this link to spread the news, every little bit counts.