Rod Smith Plays Favorite in CD 6; Jilted Democrat Wonders Why

A Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District isn't getting much love from his own party.

Vipin Verma, a Dayton Beach attorney, announced his campaign last year to little fanfare. By contrast, Heather Beaven's entry into the race last week triggered a news release from the Florida Democratic Party and glowing words of encouragement from Chairman Rod Smith.

In comments that sounded as if Beaven were the only Democrat in the hunt, Smith, speaking for the party, said, "Were confident shell have the resources she needs to win."

Beaven lost to Rep. John Mica, R-Orlando, in 2010.

Verma told Sunshine State News he had met Smith in the past and was perplexed by the FDP's actions.

"I don't know why I didn't get contacted. They're not supposed to endorse. I'm going to get in touch with them," he said.

The FDP did not respond to Sunshine State News' request for comment on Monday.

Meantime, Verma said he is confident that his grassroots fundraising efforts and his focus on bringing jobs to the northeast coastal district would earn him a ticket to the general election.

"We need to attract high-tech employment in nonotechnology and biotech, and get our graduates working to diversify the district's economy," the first-time candidate said.

Announced Republican candidates in the GOP-leaning district -- which opened when Mica and Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando, opted to face off in CD 7 -- are Craig Miller, Fred Costello, Ron deSantis and Richard Clark.