Political commentators widely expected that Miller , who had previously represented parts of the 1st District in the state legislature , would easily triumph over Briese and John G. Ralls , Jr. , a podiatrist running as an independent candidate , given the district 's strong conservative lean . Nevertheless , to promote his campaign , Briese walked 100 miles across the district . He campaigned on his service in the military , which he argued was particularly important in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks , which occurred a little more than a month before the election . Given the location of seven military installations in the district , including Pensacola Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base , Briese emphasized both his experience in the military and his time working as a contractor on repair projects for some of the bases . Miller , meanwhile , emphasized his support for then-President George W. Bush , saying , " Our president needs a partner in the 1st Congressional District . I am ready to be that partner . " However , all three candidates announced their support for then-President George W. Bush 's leadership in the War on Terror
September 11 terrorist attacks
September 11 attacks
2001 Florida's 1st congressional district special election