Ponce Inlet Commissioner Lewis Endorses Diebel February 07, 2010 image (PONCE INLET, FL) At a recent fundraising event in her home, Ponce Inlet Commissioner Tami Lewis spoke of the need to send a person to Washington who will stand up to cut wasteful government spending and the enormous national debt.

“Congress has become a runaway train. They have become so used to spending whatever it is they want that they can’t seem to stop themselves. It’s time we sent someone to Congress who can change the tide and get a grip on government spending,” Lewis said

“That’s why I’m endorsing Karen Diebel. She is the only Republican in this race with a proven conservative record of spending and tax cuts. As a businesseswoman, Karen is the only Republican in this race with a proven record of helping to create jobs and fix our economy.

Republicans need a candidate with the record, experience, ability and resources to take this seat away from a liberal Democrat. Karen Diebel has all of those things,” said Lewis.

Karen Diebel currently serves as Vice Mayor and City Commissioner of Winter Park. Since taking office in March 2007, she’s fought hard to cut spending and taxes.

“As a fellow municipal official both Tami and I understand how tough it is on the local level to make austere budgets work. It’s by looking at every dollar, every expenditure no matter how small and asking the tough question - do we really need this? I am proud to have Tami’s endorsement and honored to make her part of the Diebel for Congress team,” Diebel said.

As an Executive Director at Verizon Business, Karen helps companies grow by finding solutions to complex technological challenges. Because of her work, she earned a spot on the Orlando Business Journal’s 2009 list of "Women Who Mean Business.”

Karen co-founded the N. Donald Diebel Jr. M.D. Good Samaritan Fund in 2004, in memory of her late husband. In partnership with Shephard's Hope, the Dr. Diebel Jr. Memorial Health Center provides care for more than 2000 men, women, and children annually. She is a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (B.B.A., Finance). Karen received her M.B.A. from the University of South Florida.

Karen Diebel’s dedication to public service is fueled by a strong passion to create a bright future for her three sons: Conor, age 13, Liam, age 11, and Nicholas, age 10.