Primary opponent wants GOP Rep. Mica to back permanent earmark ban

{mosads}Mica and other Republicans in Congress have proudly touted the fact that the highway bill, which was the first new transportation spending approved by Congress since 2005, was passed without the help of earmarks.

“This measure includes historic reforms – cutting red tape and consolidating or eliminating nearly 70 federal programs – all, without earmarks and without raising taxes or deficit spending,” Mica said in a email to constituents the day the highway bill was approved by lawmakers.  “The previous transportation law contained over 6,300 earmarks.” 

Mica’s campaign said Wednesday afternoon that Adams was playing politics with the earmark ban proposal. 

“Congressman Mica will does not participate in campaign stunts, especially with someone who personally requested $129 million in earmarks in the Florida Legislature,” Mica campaign spokesman Alan Byrd said in a statement that was provided to The Hill.

Mica is likely in his last term as chairman of the House transportation committee because of a lower chamber rule prohibit lawmakers for serving as committee chairmen or ranking member of a panel for more than six years. 

Mica and Adams are scheduled to square off in a Aug. 14 primary in Florida.