Huckabee endorses GOP Rep. John Mica in Florida primary

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) is endorsing House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) in his bid for reelection.

Mica is running in a contentious member-versus-member primary against freshman Rep. Sandy Adams.

But Huckabee, a presidential candidate in 2008, said the long-term Transportation Committee chairman deserved to return to Congress.

“John Mica is a proven leader who doesn’t just talk; he achieves sound conservative results," Huckabee said in a statement released by Mica’s campaign.

"Congressman Mica's 100 percent pro-life, pro-family, and pro-Second Amendment record is one I commend and salute,” Huckabee continued. “He’s voted against every bailout and Obama stimulus plan, is an original co-sponsor of the FairTax. He joins me in sheer determination to repealing ObamaCare. If conservatives want a man of action and a man we can count on, I urge my fellow Floridians in central Florida to join me in supporting John Mica."

Mica said he was glad to have Huckabee’s support.

"I'm honored that Gov. Huckabee examined my record and understood that being a conservative is about one's record, not just rhetoric," Mica said in a statement. "My record includes passing a balanced budget, opposing all bailouts and stimulus plans and restoring genuine accountability."

Mica’s opponent, Rep. Adams, touted an endorsement of her this week, revealing that she had been endorsed by Tea Party favorite Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.).

“These last two years, Sandy has been fighting to change the ways of Washington,” West said in a statement. “She is a patriot with regard to preserving and protecting our nation and our Constitution. I fully endorse Sandy Adams's candidacy for the 7th congressional district because she represents a new generation of Republican conservatives who have come to the halls of Congress to find solutions and is working tireless[ly] against some on Capitol Hill who would rather perpetuate the problems.”

Adams has also been backed by former Alaska Gov. and 2008 GOP vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, giving her an endorsement from a national figure of her own to tout.

Mica and Adams will square off on Aug. 14.

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