Bill Mitchell’s camp has released a statement blasting Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis for “shameful, deceptive lies” in a recent campaign mailing to voters in the 9th Congressional District.

In it, Bilirakis says Mitchell’s tax policy will “give Florida families sticker shock”  and accuses Mitchell of opposing sales tax exemptions on items like food, medicine and school supplies.

The accusations are based on a six-year-old St. Petersburg Times endorsement of Mitchell that mentions his support to end “irrational” sales tax exemptions, which referred to things like high-priced sky box tickets for events, according to Mitchell.

Mitchell campaign manager Kathryn Seck said Bilirakis’ tax policy is what’s truly shocking, referencing his co-sponsorship of HR 25, which would repeal the income tax and replace it with a 23 percent sales tax.

“It’s obvious from this mailer that the only person who thinks it’s rational to tax food and medicine is Gus Bilirakis. Otherwise, why is he sponsoring a bill to impose a 23 percent sales tax on gas and food and even doctor’s bills? It’s Bilirakis’ tax policy that’s too costly for Florida ’s working families and seniors,” said Seck, in the statement.

Mitchell, a Democrat, will face Bilirakis, former police officer John "Johnny K" Kalimnios and businessman Richard O. Emmons on Nov. 4.

- Rita Farlow, Times staff writer