Donors raise $247,000 in bid to unseat Feeney

By JIM SAUNDERS

TALLAHASSEE -- If Suzanne Kosmas unseats U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney this year, she will owe a big debt of gratitude to Volusia County.

Volusia contributors poured more than $247,000 into Kosmas' campaign from October through March, helping the New Smyrna Beach Democrat gain a slight edge over Feeney in the battle for election cash, federal records show.

Kosmas has received tens of thousands of dollars from some of the biggest political players in Volusia County, including people associated with NASCAR and Brown & Brown Inc.

A former state House member, Kosmas said the support stems from her longtime activism in Volusia County.

"They know me, they trust me and they are convinced change in Washington is essential," she said.

Raising money will be critical as Kosmas and Feeney try to win August primaries and move into the November general election in congressional District 24, which includes parts of Volusia, Brevard, Seminole and Orange counties.

Feeney, an Oviedo Republican, has represented the district since 2002 and handily beaten Democrats or gone unopposed in three elections. A Feeney-Kosmas race likely will involve heavy -- and expensive -- television advertising, along with get-out-the-vote efforts.

As of March 31, the latest numbers available, Kosmas had $580,941 in cash on hand, while Feeney had $549,238, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political-science professor, said Kosmas' ability to raise money in the early stages of the campaign has established her as a serious candidate.

"For better or worse, that's just really a benchmark in American politics," Jewett said.

But Jewett said Feeney remains the favorite in the district, which had about 30,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats during a December count. Also, Jewett said, Kosmas needs to build support in the other counties.

"Most people are not going to have heard of her, quite frankly," said Jewett, who in the past worked in Feeney's office while on a political-science fellowship.

Katie Gordon, a spokeswoman for the Florida Republican Party, touted Feeney's experience in representing the area and said he had taken "principled stands" on issues such as illegal immigration and federal spending.

"Tom Feeney has done some great things for that district," Gordon said.

Kosmas said she is campaigning in all parts of the district and hopes to convince voters Feeney is out of touch on issues like gasoline prices and health care.

Also, Charlie Lydecker, a Brown & Brown regional executive vice president, said Feeney has been closely aligned with the policies of President George W. Bush, who has low voter-approval ratings.

"Feeney has been an ideologue, and that is not the mood of the nation, and that is not the mood of that district," said Lydecker, who has helped raise money for Kosmas.

Pepper Pennington, a Feeney spokeswoman, did not return messages left at the congressman's Washington office and at his campaign office.

Feeney has refused to talk with reporters from The Daytona Beach News-Journal since the paper published a series of stories in 2002 that included accusations he had improperly used his position as Florida House speaker to benefit a computer firm. The Florida Commission on Ethics cleared Feeney of any wrongdoing.

The actual amount of Volusia County contributions to Kosmas could be significantly higher than $247,000. That total, compiled from a federal database, does not include contributions after March 31 and also does not include contributions under $200.

A similar analysis for Feeney, showed Volusia contributions totaling more than $32,000, as of March 31.

Kosmas' contributions include at least $32,100 from people associated with NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. and at least $30,400 from people associated with Brown & Brown. Those totals include money from family members of company officials and from some officials who live outside Volusia County.

Marcus Jadotte, managing director of public affairs for NASCAR, pointed to Kosmas' longtime civic involvement in Volusia County in gaining the support.

"She's a known quantity who has been there and has been active in the community for decades," Jadotte said.

Jim Coffield, chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Volusia County, acknowledged Kosmas' success in raising money. But he said he thinks Feeney will have the advantage when it's time for voters to start "pulling the lever."

"She's overwhelming with donors," Coffield said. "But I think when it comes to pullers, I think it will be a different story."