Suzanne Kosmas
In the first of a twin-bill fundraising appearance in Orlando today, Vice President Joe Biden praised “moderate” U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas for her independence and courage to vote for the Recovery Act, which he said helped America come back from the precipice of a depression.
“She played a pivotal role,” Biden said, “and the payoff was real.”
Later, he added, “We are no longer looking over the precipice.”
Biden also touted Kosmas’ efforts to secure funding for a veterans hospital complex in Orlando and in helping deal with layoffs around the NASA program at the heart of her Space Coast district.
“This is a one person chamber of commerce,” Biden said, at one point embracing the congresswoman. “She’s not just fit in, she’s stood out.”
The event precedes another fund raiser for fellow Central Florida lawmaker Alan Grayson, D-Orlando. The event for Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, was attended by 70 people, including Mears executive Roger Chapin, former Orange County Commissioner Fran Pignone and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
The $1,000-per-person affair was expected to raise at least $70,000, though some donors were expected to give more than the minimum.
Biden gave a wide-ranging defense of Kosmas and Democrats, pointing to major initiatives in health care, energy and education reforms under way.
“We’re trying to move the needle here, not just hold the status quo,” Biden said.
The protesters outside the Marriott Hotel downtown only numbered in the two- to three-dozen range, with a few more opponents than Obama-Biden supporters on hand.
Biden stressed that Central Florida has become the “fulcrum” of political power not only in Florida, but also in presidential politics. “How goes Central Florida,” Biden said, so goes the country.
“This woman produces,” Biden said. “It’s really important she be re-elected.”
The menu for the Kosmas event was a cheese and vegetable tray and chicken and pork tray.
Kosmas decisively beat scantal-tinged incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, last year. But her district — which includes parts of Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties — leans Republican, and she’s already drawn opposition from two veteran GOP legislators — state Reps. Sandy Adams of Orlando and Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange — and Winter park Commissioner Beth Diebel.
August 29th, 2009 at 12:32 am
When I think of Suzanne Kosmas, I immediately think of Nancy Pelosi. District 24 does not want a Nancy Pelosi. Check out the Kosmas voting record at the Washington Post Voting Database: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/
Suzanne, you have voting on bills that you did not read, that your constituents did not want and you are responsible for our projected $9 trillion dollar (that’s 9000 billions) deficit. You avoid your constituents and you are no fiscal conservative but rather a token tax-and-spend liberal.
It’s time we retire you from office in 2010.
Vote Sandy Adams for Congress. She’s trustworthy, has a solid, conservative voting record in the Florida House of Representatives and has a law enforcement background. Say no to the rhino republicans and liberals.
Vote Sandy Adams for Congress.