Val Demings irked by Mica’s political mailer

Weeks after a mailer in support of U.S. Rep. John Mica drew the ire of one of the women featured on it, former Orlando police Chief Val Demings, the political ad continues to land in mailboxes. The mailer features images of Demings and other local leaders and quotes them praising the Republican incumbent, who is seeking re-election in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. But Demings is backing Mica’s opponent, Democrat Stephanie Murphy, and said she’s “shocked and disappointed” by Mica’s flier. Her quote was taken from a June primary debate during her own campaign for the 10th Congressional District, in which she praised Mica and others for pushing for federal anti-terrorism funding. Mica campaign spokesman Alan Byrd defended the mailer, saying the campaign never said Demings endorsed Mica. The mailer’s message, he added, “is very clear. It’s what women leaders are saying about Congressman Mica.”