City commissioner to run vs. Kosmas

Freshman Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-Fla.) has her first major challenger, after Winter Park City Commissioner Karen Diebel (R) filed her candidacy for Florida’s 24th district Tuesday.

“I am not a career politician,” Diebel said. “I am a mother who wants to ensure a bright future for my three children. I am a businesswoman who wants to create local jobs. Many families here are struggling just to hang on right now. Believe me, I’ve been there. But after just a short time in public service, I have learned that with determined optimism and hard work, I can make a difference for families in our community. That’s why I’m running for Congress.”

Diebel’s campaign notes that the district has a GOP registration advantage and gave Republican presidential nominee John McCain (R-Ariz.) 51 percent of the vote last year.

The district is indeed nice for the GOP, but Kosmas proved a strong candidate last year, taking 57 percent against an – albeit weakened – incumbent in Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.).