POSTED: 8:05 am EST November 5, 2006
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Comments made by U.S. Rep. John Mica during a central Florida television station's investigation into apparent lax security at Orlando International Airport has prompted a group to call for his resignation, a flurry of e-mails from angry viewers and a request for an apology from his political opponent.
Mica, the Republican chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, said he was not worried that security workers at the airport repeatedly walked by unattended bags for more than an hour, as reported by an undercover investigation by WKMG-TV.
"It doesn't bother me. Did it explode?" Mica said.
After the story aired on WKMG, confused and angry viewers began a sending e-mails and questioning Mica's comments.
"The e-mails keep coming in," WKMG's Steven Cooper said Friday night. "Viewers want to know why congressman John Mica seems so unconcerned by the security issued revealed in our report."
Friday, a group of protestors rallied at Mica's district office. Some called for the congressman to quit.
"John Mica doesn't care about airport security," protestor Cheryl McClish said. "He thinks it is a joke and that is inexcusable."
Meanwhile, Jack Chagnon, who is running against Mica in Tuesday's election said he is demanding Mica apologize for the comments.
"He should have stopped and asked security how did we get like this and what is the best way to correct it," Chagnon said. "And that's the problem. He doesn't ask the right questions to get the problem solved.
"John Mica doesn't care about airport security," protestor Cheryl McClish said. "He thinks it is a joke and that is inexcusable."
WKMG took the undercover video and Mica's comments to Gov. Jeb Bush.
"Clearly we upgraded our security in our airports and seaports but there is more work to be done," Bush said.
Bush said once he watches the news report, he will consider some discussion with the TSA.
Cooper also asked Bush about Mica's remarks about unattended bags.
Mica's comments were: "Does that really pose a risk?" Mica said. "What kind of damage is it going to do if that explodes?"
"It could kill…" reporter Cooper said.
"Who? Who? How many? I'm more concerned about them taking that on an aircraft young man," Mica said.
"I'd have to know more about the information of the context in which the question was asked," Bush said. "With all due respect to you, I don't know how to respond to you without having the full information."
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