http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/index/ en info@brushfiredigital.com Copyright 2010 2010-08-21T20:53:21+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/huckabee_to_rally_for_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/huckabee_to_rally_for_diebel/#When:20:53:21Z Please Join the Karen Diebel Campaign as Governor Huckabee Attends our Get Out The Vote Rally! Sunday, August 22,2010 Life Orlando 200 E. Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 2:00pm - 3:00pm Please email info@diebelforcongress.com or call 321-972-8919 with any questions. In case you missed it, Governor Huckabee also recorded an ad for our campaign. Listen to the ad here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mG0q51q9_A&feature=search. Remember to vote this Tuesday, August 24th! 2010-08-21T20:53:21+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/politico_article_inspires_alipac_endorsement_of_karen_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/politico_article_inspires_alipac_endorsement_of_karen_diebel/#When:20:52:25Z Secure Borders Group Says, "We don't want Miller using our Facebook Page to hide his support for Amnesty." In case you missed it, here is a copy of the release Americans for Legal Immigration PAC sent out: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is endorsing Karen Diebel for Congress in Florida's GOP Primary in the 24th district in reaction to an article that recently appeared in Politico claiming Diebel's opponent Craig Miller had joined ALIPAC's Facebook page to appear tough on illegal immigration after originally supporting Amnesty for illegal aliens. While ALIPAC encourages candidate, lawmakers, and concerned citizens who want to stop Comprehensive Reform Amnesty for illegal aliens to join the group's prolific Facebook page and email lists, Craig Miller's prior support for Amnesty would prevent him from ever being endorsed. "Craig Miller is the kind of Amnesty supporting politician we don't want in DC and we don't want him using our popular Facebook page to hide his support for amnesty," said William Gheen, President of ALIPAC. "We are happy to endorse Karen Diebel because her positions are better aligned with the vast majority of American voters who favor immigration enforcement, instead of Comprehensive Amnesty." As the head of the National Restaurant Association, a notorious open borders group intent upon exploiting cheap illegal labor, Craig Miller opposed immigration enforcement and border security legislation in Washington. Miller wrote an op-ed in 2006 published in the Miami Herald supporting Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty, which also decried immigration enforcement by saying, “Clearly we can't fix our broken immigration laws simply by enforcing them more stringently” Craig Miller has also admitted that he "probably yet inadvertently" hired illegal aliens to handle food for American diners, during his tenure as CEO of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, even though such workers have failed to go through the medical background checks required of legal immigrants to protect Americans from contagious diseases. Karen Diebel has joined hundreds of other Federal candidates who have completed ALIPAC's 2010 candidate survey. In her survey answers she has pledged to oppose any form of "Amnesty or path to citizenship for illegal aliens, including Comprehensive Immigration Reform, which would turn millions of illegal immigrants into voters thus destroying future borders of America" Diebel has also indicated she supports Arizona's new immigration enforcement legislation, opposes welfare benefits for illegals, and supports fines for employers who hire illegals. "Karen Diebel would work to have employers like Craig Miller fined for putting American jobs, wages, and health at risk with illegal immigrants," said William Gheen. "Craig Miller will go to congress pushing for Amnesty for illegals and employers like himself who hire them. We respectfully ask that Florida voters rebuke Mr. Miller and send Karen Diebel to Congress!" Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is one of America's largest grass roots organizations fighting against illegal immigration and for the enforcement of our existing immigration and border laws. Each election season, ALIPAC endorses candidates in every state. For more information about ALIPAC or to view the growing endorsements list for 2010, please visit http://www.alipac.us DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE WITH OUR ONLINE ACTIVISTS AT... http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1101744.html#1101744 2010-08-21T20:52:25+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/redstate_debunks_miller_attacks_on_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/redstate_debunks_miller_attacks_on_diebel/#When:20:46:32Z "The People Attacking Karen Diebel for These Votes are Either Ignorant or Deeply Opposed to Fiscally Responsible Government" Excerpts from Erick Erickson's Article Below... I haven’t really jumped into FL-24 race other than to raise some concerns I had with Karen Diebel that everyone assures me are actually not big issues. But one thing that has jumped out at me is some of the attacks on Diebel about her voting for tax increases on the Winter Park City Council in Florida. Were I to run for Congress, I’d be beaten up for these same votes. Why? This post is not intended to be pro-Karen or anti-anyone else. I don’t know enough about the race to make a choice. But I saw this list and realized the people attacking Karen Diebel for these votes are either ignorant or deeply opposed to fiscally responsible government operations and the taxi cab industry. Sometimes, at the local level, taxes and fees must go up because of federal and state mandates. It looks like Diebel always sided with increasing the cost to those who use a service and not punishing all the taxpayers. What you won’t find in these attacks, and what I think is commendable, is the frequency with which Karen Diebel has been the lone or almost the only “no” vote on a host of popular measures on her city council. As the person who routinely votes against funding outside entities on our city council, I appreciate her willingness to do what’s right and be unpopular. Full Post Here. 2010-08-21T20:46:32+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/orlando_sentinel_says_miller_mailer_true_but/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/orlando_sentinel_says_miller_mailer_true_but/#When:20:45:05Z Dishonest Miller Mailer Full of Half-Truths, Lacks Important Context Recently, Craig Miller sent out a mail piece distorting Karen Diebel's fiscally conservative record of cutting taxes, reducing spending, and shrinking the size of government. He then sent out a press release misrepresenting the Sentinel's analysis of his claims. Here are the facts: During Karen Diebel's term as Commissioner, the millage rate decreased from 4.758 to 4.092 and the budget decreased from $47.2 million to $44.5 million. We need to elect more people like Karen Diebel who actually cut taxes AND government spending, not politicians like Miller who deliberately misrepresent the facts for political gain. We are not surprised that Miller is continuing his campaign of dirty tricks and distortions. Miller's only chance is to divert people from finding out the real truth about his ultra liberal activities. Miller's shady tactics should be a warning to all conservative Republican Primary voters. We have questioned Miller's true motivations from the moment he entered the race. Miller has a public record of supporting Amnesty, a lawsuit that revealed his hiring of illegals in an effort to depress the pay of American workers at his company, and a record of spending millions lobbying against e-verify and border security. All Conservative Republican voters in this district should ask themselves why a candidate with such a clearly liberal background would pour hundreds of thousands of their personal fortune into a campaign trying to win a Republican Primary. There is only one answer - Miller hopes that his smokescreen campaign will allow him to sneak into Congress where he could push his liberal agenda on our district. We urge all concerned Republican Primary voters to check the facts on Miller before they vote. We are sure they will be as suspicious of his motives as we are. As an Executive Director at Verizon Business, Karen Diebel helps companies grow by finding solutions to complex technological challenges. 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 2,000 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 lives in Winter Park with her three sons: Conor, age 14, Liam, age 12, and Nicholas, age 10. ### 2010-08-21T20:45:05+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/irish-american_republicans_endorse_karen_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/irish-american_republicans_endorse_karen_diebel/#When:20:43:43Z Irish-American Republicans Endorse Karen Diebel Diebel "Will Fight for Conservative Principles" The Irish-American Republicans, a 130-year-old coalition of Irish-Americans in the Republican Party, today announced their endorsement of Karen Diebel for Congress in Florida's 24th Congressional District. "It is important that we replace a liberal like Suzanne Kosmas with a strong voice that will fight for smaller government and conservative principles,” the group's Regional Chairman Jim Bomford said in a news release. “Karen Diebel is one of the Fighting Irish and I know she'll stand up to Pelosi's liberal agenda." National Chairman Grant Lally added: “The Irish-American Republicans proudly endorse Karen Diebel for Congress. We need to change the direction of this Congress and stop the waste and out of control debt. Karen Diebel is a businesswoman who understands how to curb spending. In fact, she's already done it professionally and as Vice-Mayor of Winter Park.” In accepting this endorsement, Diebel said, “As an American proud of my Irish Heritage, I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Irish-American Republicans. I look forward to serving you in the US Congress and will never stop fighting for our principles.” The Irish-American Republicans are a national organization, originally organized in 1868 and chartered in 1880, dedicated to promoting the principles of the Republican Party, building Republican support among the 45-million-strong Irish-American community, strengthening relations between Ireland and the United States, and supporting the cause of justice and peace in Northern Ireland. The Irish-American Republicans' Advisory Chairs include Rep. John Mica and former Rep. Tom Feeney, while its Board is comprised of Irish-American leaders from the business, political, media and legal communities. About Karen Diebel's Irish Heritage Karen Diebel's paternal grandparents were both born and raised in Ireland. Grandfather Bernard McGuigan was from Belfast, and grandmother Catherine Reilly was from County Mayo. They both were born in 1906 and were immigrants to the United States in 1926. They met several years later at an Irish dance in Chicago, were married in 1934, and had five children. Although they had minimal formal education, they stressed the value of education to their children. The result was all five children attained college degrees, and two of the five have masters degrees. Bernard was a laborer for the gas company in Chicago, and later a bailiff in the Cook County sheriff's office. For many years he was a precinct captain in Chicago. He lost a battle with cancer at age 54 in 1960. Catherine, like many an Irish lass, was a live-in housekeeper in the Chicago suburbs prior to marriage, and concentrated on raising her children when her first son was born in 1936. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 99. The Catholic family was very active in St. Vincent's Catholic church in Chicago. Their five children attended St. Vincent grammar school, the three boys attended DePaul Academy high school, and the two younger daughters graduated from Alvernia Catholic High School. All five attended DePaul University, and were very successful in the business world. ### 2010-08-21T20:43:43+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/re_attacks_by_pro-amnesty_liberal_craig_miller/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/re_attacks_by_pro-amnesty_liberal_craig_miller/#When:20:37:21Z In a desperate attempt to repair the damage to his campaign by the startling admission that he knowingly hired many illegal aliens to work in his company's restaurants, Craig Miller launched a mudslinging attack against the Karen Diebel campaign. "We fully anticipated that Miller, a vocal advocate of amnesty and open borders, would have to go on the defensive to cover his radically liberal positions on immigration. Today, Miller blames the government for inaction, but as President of a restaurant trade association, Miller spent millions lobbying Congress to loosen immigration laws and promoting amnesty," said Diebel campaign manager Anthony Bonna. "What we didn't expect was an attack on Karen's fiscally conservative record that is so full of outright lies and misrepresentations. The truth is, since Karen Diebel has served on the Winter Park Commission: the tax rate decreased by over 13%, overall spending was cut $2.5 million and the size of government was reduced by over 7%," Bonna said. Current Winter Park Mayor Ken Bradley called the attacks a "smokescreen." "Karen Diebel served Winter Park as an effective leader and Vice-Mayor. During her service, she was a fiscal hawk and a watchdog for our community's taxpayers. She is someone who understands that creating efficiencies is almost always a solid alternative to increasing spending. I am confident she will be one of the strongest voices for fiscal sanity in Congress and am proud to endorse her candidacy" said Bradley. Bonna pointed to Diebel's strong support from the most respected illegal immigration reform advocates in the country as the real motive behind Miller's attacks. Diebel is endorsed by Congressman Brian Bilbray, Chair of the Immigration Reform Caucus and Tom Tancredo and Bay Buchanon of Team America, one of the largest conservative PACs in the country. "Team America was founded by former Congressman Tom Tancredo to make the fight against illegal immigration part of the national debate. Their endorsement is called the “Tancredo Gold Seal of Approval” for congressional candidates who support real immigration reform and oppose amnesty," said Bonna. "A few nasty mailers from Miller will not deter us from our fight to stop a true liberal like him from stealing this seat from conservative Republicans. We have the momentum and resources to win this primary and go on to defeat Suzanne Kosmas in November," Bonna said. As an Executive Director at Verizon Business, Karen Diebel helps companies grow by ?nding solutions to complex technological challenges. 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 2,000 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 lives in Winter Park with her three sons: Conor, age 14, Liam, age 12, and Nicholas, age 10. ### 2010-08-21T20:37:21+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/seminole_county_commissioner_dick_van_der_weide_endorses_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/seminole_county_commissioner_dick_van_der_weide_endorses_diebel/#When:17:38:11Z (WINTER PARK, FL) Seminole County Commissioner Dick Van Der Weide endorses Karen Diebel in Florida’s 24th District Congressional Republican Primary. Van Der Weide has a long history of public service. Appointed by President Bush to the Selective Service Board, he has also served as a Gubernatorial appointee to the State of Florida Child Advisory Council and Past Vice-President of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee. Van Der Weide called Diebel’s strength of digging to find ways to save tax dollars a much needed talent in Washington. “Karen has the front line experience of an elected official from a local municipality that has found ways to cut the size and cost of their government. This is the experience and philosophy we need in Washington today,” said Van Der Weide. “In the race to replace Suzanne Kosmas, Karen Diebel is truly the only Republican in the Primary election who has actually cut spending and taxes. In fact, she is the only true conservative in the race.” 2010-07-28T17:38:11+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/mat_staver_art_ally_endorse_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/mat_staver_art_ally_endorse_diebel/#When:05:04:57Z Two more Pro-Life Leaders and voters in Congressional District 24 have thrown their support behind Karen Diebel. Mat Staver* is a founding member and the Chairman of Liberty Counsel, a non-profit litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life and the family. "Our families, our economic security, and our Constitution are increasingly under attack. Now more than ever, we need to elect strong conservatives who will fight for the founding principles of our country. I know Karen Diebel is up for the challenge, and I encourage all conservatives to join my wife and me in voting for her on August 24th," Staver said. Art Ally* is President and Founder of the Timothy Plan, America's first pro-life, pro-family, Biblically-based mutual fund group. "We need to replace the band of characters in Congress with people of character. America needs Karen Diebel - a candidate whose credentials and practical experience stand head and shoulders above the rest. She has my unqualified endorsement and, if you examine the facts, she should have yours too," Ally explained. Mat Staver and Art Ally join a strong and growing list of social conservative leaders who are supporting Diebel's candidacy, making her the consensus candidate for voters who care about the pro-life issues. Diebel's pro-life support includes: * Gov. Mike Huckabee * Concerned Women for America PAC * Catholic Families for America * Bay Buchanan * Adam Goldman*, Vice President of Florida Right to Life The Catholic Advocate profiled Karen's campaign earlier this year and The Daily Beast named Karen Diebel the 7th best candidate in the entire country for social conservatives - a list topped by Marco Rubio and Pat Toomey. 2010-07-14T05:04:57+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/huckabee_endorses_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/huckabee_endorses_diebel/#When:05:19:59Z From Governor Huckabee's Website: Huck PAC and I are pleased to endorse Karen Diebel. As a mother of three young boys, Karen knows first hand what it means to uphold America’s traditional family values. Karen will be an active advocate, not just a silent vote, for our pro-life values and marriage between one man and one woman. Karen will stand up for our second amendment rights, securing our borders and developing our energy independence. Karen understands that in order to see an incredible economic future, we need to transform our tax code, which is why Karen is a strong supporter of the Fair Tax. Karen Diebel knows what it takes to run a business and has actually created jobs for Floridians. I hope you will join me in making Karen Diebel the next Congresswoman from Florida. 2010-06-09T05:19:59+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/conservative_congressman_brian_bilbray_endorses_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/conservative_congressman_brian_bilbray_endorses_diebel/#When:16:21:24Z Chair of Immigration Reform Caucus is First Congressional Endorsement in CD-24 Race (WINTER PARK, FL) Calling her “the best chance Florida has to elect a true conservative to Congress” California Congressman Brian Bilbray has endorsed Karen Diebel for Congress in Florida’s 24th District. Bilbray has been lauded for his tough stance on illegal immigration and fight to cut both the size and scope of the federal government. “This year Republicans have a real chance to change the way Washington operates. But we must be vigilant for candidates who embrace the mantle of conservatism but not the spirit or philosophy,” Bilbray said. “Karen Diebel is a conservative at heart and in life. Her public service reflects a proven record of doing more with fewer tax dollars. She has taken a tough stand on illegal immigration and supports the second amendment and state’s rights. While others vacillate and shift with the winds of political expediency Karen never waivers. Karen Diebel is rock solid. She is going to help bring real change to Congress,” Bilbray said. Diebel pointed to the similarities between Bilbray’s Southern California district and Florida in struggling with the illegal immigration issue. “Brian’s district lies close to our border with Mexico. Florida is a major destination for illegal immigrants. We both see the devastating effects on our communities - the loss of American jobs, the burden on our health and educational systems, and the increased crime rates. I will be proud to work side by side with Congressman Bilbray in Washington to make sure our conservative voice is heard,” Diebel said. As an Executive Director at Verizon Business, Karen Diebel helps companies grow by ?nding solutions to complex technological challenges. 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 2,000 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 lives in Winter Park with her three sons: Conor, age 13, Liam, age 12, and Nicholas, age 10. ### 2010-05-28T16:21:24+00:00