Opinion: GOP Locked Out of FL CD 7 Until Redistricting
Marshall S. Swanson 
For most everyone in 2016, President Trump's victory came as a major surprise. Stephanie Murphy's defeat of Congressman John Mica (R - Winter Park) cemented the year's oddity. Although certainly an antiincumbent, anti-establishment election year, both sides of the aisle in Central Florida held a deep respect and appreciation for the Congressman's years of service and his ability to bring in much needed funding for transportation and infrastructure problems in our state and community. So why then did the seat go blue? With court ordered redistricting, the boundaries of CD 7 underwent a political metamorphasis, including the accession of some constituents unaware of the Congressman's good work on behalf of our community in Washington, D.C. Despite a vicious campaign, mainly emanating from from Mr. Mica's opponent, FL-07's newest officeholder doesn't seem to live up to the hype.
Furthermore, Mrs. Murphy's deficit of seniority has curtailed key elements of local infrastructure projects from coming to fruition. Congresswoman Murphy clearly lacks the horsepower to bring vital projects over the finish line a timely manner. Instead of focusing on our community's needs, "America's Moderate" - as some call her, - spends most of her time skirting reporters, Spewing partisan banter and impeaching Donald Trump. Sadly, given the current political dynamics of CD 7, the passionate but ill-equipped Republican field will likely not make much headway in retaking the seat. Let's see how things look in 2022!
