http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/index/ en info@brushfiredigital.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-07T17:21:09+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_harry_reid_kosmas_out_of_touch/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_harry_reid_kosmas_out_of_touch/#When:17:21:09Z Congressional Candidate Karen Diebel released the following statement in response to Sen. Harry Reid's comments celebrating the loss of 36,000 jobs: Senator Reid's comments last week congratulating himself and Washington politicians on the abysmal job they've done at this most critical time are truly disturbing. 36,000 job losses shouldn't be a talking point or occasion for glee, but a motivation to act and make a difference for the families and individuals who are hurting. While I am optimistic about the strength of our economy and the resolve of the American work force, the loss of 36,000 jobs is certainly not something to celebrate. It just goes to show how out of touch Washington politicians like Harry Reid and Suzanne Kosmas are. The people are speaking out, but no one in Washington DC is listening. We need to stop the overregulation, excessive taxation, and massive debt that is slowing our economic growth & recovery, reducing consumer confidence, and jeopardizing our children and grandchildren's future. Yet, they continue to push for expensive government involvement in our health care system, a new energy tax on our families, and card check. Each and every day, I go to work helping companies become more efficient and use technology to create new jobs. I understand what it takes to get our economy moving again and it certainly isn't more government. When I go to Washington, I will fight everyday for an economic environment that encourages innovation, job growth, and our nation's continued economic leadership and strength. 2010-03-07T17:21:09+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/former_jeb_bush_chief_of_staff_joins_diebel_finance_committee/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/former_jeb_bush_chief_of_staff_joins_diebel_finance_committee/#When:18:43:37Z (WINTER PARK, FL) Kathleen Shanahan, former Chief of Staff for both Governor Jeb Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney has joined the Karen Diebel for Congress Finance Committee. Ms. Shanahan is the latest in a long line of business and community leaders joining Diebel’s team. “Kathleen’s support means a lot to me. As a strong woman who has worked her way up in a tough world, Kathleen and I share similar experiences. Her combination of public policy and business background make her a savvy judge of a candidate’s worthiness. I am honored she has decided to join our team,” Diebel said. Ms. Shanahan is the CEO of WRScompass, an award winning environmental management and construction company. Additionally she has served as deputy secretary of the California Trade and Commerce Agency, special assistant to then Vice President George Bush, and staff assistant on President Reagan's National Security Council. “As Republicans it’s imperative that we have the right candidate, with the right work ethic and who’s right on the issues,” Shanahan said. “Karen Diebel demonstrates the knowledge and poise I’ve seen in leaders at the highest level. Karen’s background as a business growth specialist at Verizon gives her the additional advantage of knowing first hand what it takes to create jobs and economic opportunity. And her conservative credentials are right in step with voters in the district,” Shanahan said. 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 13, Liam, age 11, and Nicholas, age 10. 2010-02-24T18:43:37+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/the_98_vote_swing/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/the_98_vote_swing/#When:14:40:01Z (WINTER PARK, FL) Further bolstering Conservative Republican Karen Diebel’s frontrunner status in the race to unseat Democrat Incumbent Suzanne Kosmas, are the results of the most recent Tea Party Patriots Hob Nob Straw poll. Diebel closed what had been called an insurmountable gap to essentially tie a sitting incumbent. “I haven’t been a part of any establishment. Since I began my campaign last year, I’ve been out meeting the people, and they have responded to my thoughts and conservative beliefs on the issues. I have now have closed a gap that many of the pundits said could not be done,” Diebel said. “Today’s campaigns are about message and momentum. This vote today shows we have the lead in both. Our more than two-to-one money advantage puts us clearly in the lead on resources.” Anthony Bonna, Diebel’s campaign manager, noted the results represented a 108-vote swing since the Orange County Republican Executive Committee (OCREC) straw poll last November. Then, Adams won the straw poll with 146 votes to Diebel’s 39. Today’s results were 112 votes to 103 votes, a single digit margin which shows Diebel gaining 64 votes and Adams losing 34. “Momentum, momentum, momentum,” said Bonna. “You need the work ethic. You need to be right on the issues. Too often incumbents and career politicians take the people’s vote for granted. We will continue to outwork our opponents and build momentum,” Bonna said. Bonna pointed to the recent endorsement of Karen Diebel by the conservative group Concerned Women PAC that their campaign was drawing national attention and support. “Our momentum among conservatives will be hard to beat,” Bonna said. Diebel thanked the many who came out to support her on a cold Saturday. “I don’t take this support lightly. I am truly moved by the turnout for my conservative cause. I will fight to stop the waste and taxpayer abuse in Washington. The Tea Party voters can count on me,” Diebel said. 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 13, Liam, age 11, and Nicholas, age 10. 2010-02-14T14:40:01+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/concerned_women_for_america_endorses_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/concerned_women_for_america_endorses_diebel/#When:16:38:47Z Washington, D.C. – Concerned Women Political Action Committee (CWPAC) has announced its endorsement of Karen Diebel for Congress in Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Concerned Women PAC, established in 2002 by founder and chairman Mrs. Beverly LaHaye, is affiliated with Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with more than 500,000 grassroots members nationwide. The 24th District congressional seat is currently held by liberal Democrat and abortion advocate Congresswoman Susan Kosmas, who was elected in 2008. Emily's List recently ranked Suzanne Kosmas as one of their top five priorities for the 2010 election cycle. This race is considered a toss up by both the Rothenberg Report and the Cook Political Report. In last year’s presidential contest, President Obama carried this district with just 51 percent of the vote. In 2004, President George Bush won the district by 55 percent. Despite the conservative leanings of the district, Susan Kosmas has insisted on voting left of her constituents. Rep. Kosmas recently voted against the Stupak Amendment that would have prohibited coverage for abortions by insurance companies in the overall government take over of health care. She also voted in favor of the recent omnibus bill which included an increase of $10 million for Title X funding with the bulk of those tax payer dollars going to Planned Parenthood. The omnibus bill also gave $103 million to international “family planning” organizations, in effect forcing the American taxpayer to indirectly promote and fund abortions abroad. In fact, Kosmas has voted for the Pelosi agenda over 92 percent of the time. Commissioner Karen Diebel offers a strong contrast to Kosmas and has been an effective advocate on the Winter Park City Commission for pro-family and business-friendly tax policy. A widowed mother of three sons, Karen lost her husband Don in a tragic accident, when he stopped to save a newlywed couple in an overturned pickup truck. With the help of her family, Karen was able to recover from this tragedy and raise her three sons, while going on to be a successful businesswoman and leader in her community. Karen Diebel's personal story serves as an inspiration to women who aspire to lead and make a difference in their communities. “Congresswoman Kosmas and her Pelosi like voting record is out of step with the 24th district, ” said Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women PAC. “Karen Diebel’s business background coupled with her pro-life convictions will make her a powerful contrast to the liberal pro abortion Kosmas. “Concerned Women PAC endorsed Karen Diebel because she will be a strong voice for the unborn and conservative values in Congress.” Mrs. Penny Nance and Concerned Women Political Action Committee’s mission is to elect solid pro-family, pro-life conservatives to Congress. Concerned Women PAC sends out a monthly letter to members encouraging them to financially support candidates like Karen Diebel. For more information on this race or to set up an interview with Mrs. Nance, please contact Mike Mears at 202-408-4941. 2010-02-09T16:38:47+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/ponce_inlet_commissioner_lewis_endorses_diebel/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/ponce_inlet_commissioner_lewis_endorses_diebel/#When:21:31:50Z (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. 2010-02-07T21:31:50+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_leads_fundraising_in_cd24_republican_primary._reports_double_the_cas/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_leads_fundraising_in_cd24_republican_primary._reports_double_the_cas/#When:17:43:16Z (WINTER PARK, FL) In the race to unseat Democrat Congresswoman Susan Kosmas, reports filed with the Federal Election Commission show Karen Diebel leading her nearest rival in the Republican Primary Election by a substantial margin. Diebel out-raised her opponent for the latest quarter, for the year ending on December 31st, and was left with more than twice the cash on hand. The reports show State Representative Sandy Adams with only $58,356 cash on hand compared to Diebel’s $125,000. “This level of support is humbling in this tough economy. My message of cutting government spending, reducing the deficit, and help for our struggling economy is striking a deep chord. I want to thank everyone for their support,” Diebel said. “We have spent the past year traveling the district, listening to voters, and building a campaign that can win in November. Beating liberal Democrat Susan Kosmas won’t be easy. These results show that Republicans believe I am the best candidate to do that,” Diebel said. Diebel Campaign Manager Anthony Bonna said the pace of campaign contributions has picked up dramatically since the first of the year and Diebel continues to outpace her opponents. In addition, the Diebel campaign will soon be releasing a list of new supporters to the campaign’s finance committee. “We will go toe to toe with Kosmas. Our message is stronger. Our momentum is greater. The tide is turning towards a change for the better. No amount of money will help Kosmas defend her dismal record and the failed policies she has supported in congress,” Bonna said. 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 13, Liam, age 11, and Nicholas, age 10. 2010-02-01T17:43:16+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/white_house_call_to_scrap_space_program_ill-advised/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/white_house_call_to_scrap_space_program_ill-advised/#When:01:06:55Z (WINTER PARK, FL) After last week's teleconference with White House administration and NASA officials on the future of NASA projects on the Space Coast, Karen Diebel, the Republican candidate for congress in the 24th district, called the proposals put forth “no plan at all” and “a job loss crisis for the central Florida area.” During the call officials stated that Kennedy Space Center’s Constellation program and it’s Ares I and Ares V rocket development would be canceled. They were vague about plans and investment going forward. “We launch more than men, women and satellites into space here. We help America lead the world in this technology. And while we continue to explore new types of rockets and space vehicles we can’t afford to stop flying what we have now. We can’t afford to stop our efforts in space. We can't afford for the intellectual capital of 7,000 people to be disbanded. The translational science that we receive from studying in space is very valuable to the innovation in America,” said Diebel. Current Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, who defeated then incumbent Republican Tom Feeney, ran, in part, on a platform that claimed Feeney wasn’t effective at getting funding for NASA, even though the sitting administration at the time was Republican. “Now we see Suzanne Kosmas’ true colors. Kosmas is either unwilling or unable to effectively deal with her own party and bring home the support to save these badly needed jobs. She promised she could help. She has broken that promise,” said Diebel. Part of the administration’s plan is to cede development of space exploration to private companies. Many privately launched space vehicles are done so from foreign countries, with Russia being one of the most active. “The Space Coast should not lose jobs so that NASA can outsource launches to Russia. America should not lose our advantage in space and the knowledge and security it brings,” said Diebel. “When I go to Washington I will immediately support a common sense effort to keep the shuttle flying in the interim until new projects can fully come on line and protect both our momentum in space and the jobs it provides.” 2010-01-31T01:06:55+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/today..._in_remembrance/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/today..._in_remembrance/#When:14:37:45Z Congressional candidate Karen Diebel released the following statement in remembrance of the unborn on the anniversary of Roe V Wade. Today is not a day to celebrate. 37 years ago today the Supreme Court decided Roe V. Wade, resulting in millions of unborn children being denied the gift of life each year. Our current Congresswoman, Suzanne Kosmas is a strong supporter of abortion, so much so that the pro-abortion Emily's List named Kosmas' re-election one of their top 5 priorities in the country. Among other votes, Kosmas voted against the Stupak amendment, which would have eliminated abortion funding from Obamacare. This is not the type of leadership we need in our pro-life district. I'm honored that my campaign was recently endorsed by Catholic Families for America, which was founded in 2008 in response to 54 percent of self-identified Catholic voters supporting the most pro-abortion presidential candidate in American history. One of our first endorsements was the personal endorsement of the Vice President of Florida Right to Life. I am absolutely committed to defending the rights of the unborn. Like many of you, I will be attending a pro-life event this weekend, honoring the unborn. If you live near Altamonte Springs, I encourage you to join me and other pro-lifers on Saturday. Here is the information on the event: SILENT NO MORE/OPERATION OUTCRY 5TH ANNUAL EVENT, Crane's Roost Amphitheater, Uptown Altamonte, just off I-4 and 436. Saturday dariamonroe@rocketmail.com, January 23, 2010, 2:00 - 4:00 pm I believe strongly and pray every day that this nation will reach a point where we value each and every human life. In Congress, I will work to pass legislation that will bring us closer to achieving that goal. 2010-01-22T14:37:45+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_kosmas_failure_to_fully_support_shuttle_program_will_be_devastating_/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_kosmas_failure_to_fully_support_shuttle_program_will_be_devastating_/#When:18:03:25Z (WINTER PARK, FL) Karen Diebel, the Republican candidate for congress in the 24th district, fired back today at incumbent Congresswoman Susan Kosmas after an article in the Orlando Sentinel reported Komas’ support of shutting down the space shuttle program at the Kennedy Space Center. “Where is the leadership from Suzanne Kosmas,” said Diebel. “People here are struggling, losing their homes, desperately searching for work. Yet Kosmas advocates shutting down the shuttle program and losing the 7,000 badly needed jobs it supports here in the Orlando and Space Coast communities. Kosmas is in lockstep with the failed policies in Washington - from the flawed healthcare bill to the outrageous spending spree. But of all of her misplaced actions this has to be one of the worst. This is about more than jobs. It’s about Florida families and their survival,” Diebel said. Senior NASA officials estimate that there are enough parts and tools to support at least five additional shuttle flights. Howard DeCastro, shuttle program manager at United Space Alliance said that “with political will and funding it’s absolutely doable.” Diebel believes that extending the shuttle program will help fill the employment gap between the time the shuttle stops flying and when new programs come on line. “The political will to do the right thing is what’s missing in Washington today. The political will to do the right thing for our district and stand up to her political bosses is what is lacking in Susan Kosmas. It’s time we had someone in congress looking out for us”, said Diebel. 2010-01-21T18:03:25+00:00 http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_supporters_helping_to_turn_out_the_vote_for_gop_senate_candidate_sco/ http://www.karendiebel.com/index.php/site/diebel_supporters_helping_to_turn_out_the_vote_for_gop_senate_candidate_sco/#When:23:44:28Z “We are fighting to change the course in Washington” (WINTER PARK, FL) - The Karen Diebel for Congress campaign announced today that Karen Diebel has organized a grassroots voter turnout effort for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown, Massachusetts. “Our campaign is about changing Washington,” Diebel said. “Scott Brown’s campaign in Massachusetts is an historic event for the Republican party. Winning this seat will go a long way to putting the brakes on the Obama/Pelosi spending spree and disastrous health care plan.” Brown is locked into a tight battle, even leading in some polls, to fill the Senate seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy. A win by Brown would be historic in a state that leans Democrat and liberal. Diebel is organizing a phone bank effort across the district tomorrow and Sunday. Diebel supporters will be using their weekend cell phone minutes and calling Massachusetts Republicans - urging them to get out and vote for Brown. “We don’t have to wait until November to let Washington know that the public is fed up with their failed policies. We will be sending a strong message on Tuesday - Washington is broken and even liberal Democrats now agree,” Diebel said. That’s why I’m leading this effort in Florida.” Supporters of Scott Brown can bring their cell phones and help Karen Diebel with this effort at the following locations: Saturday, January 16, 2010 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Orange & Seminole County Associated Builders & Contractors Headquarters 651 Danville Dr, 2nd Floor Orlando, FL 32825 Sunday, January 17, 2010 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Volusia County 4469 South Atlantic Ave. Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Brevard County IHOP Restaurant 3755 Cheney Highway Titusville, FL 32780 To join the Diebel campaign with this effort please contact Diebel campaign manager Anthony Bonna at 772-224-1166 or show up at any of our locations. 2010-01-15T23:44:28+00:00