Joe Kaufman Announces Bid to Challenge Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Another Republican has entered the GOP primary to challenge U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fort Lauderdale.

Joe Kaufman, founder of Americans Against Hate, announced he will seek to take on the four-term congresswoman in 2012. Karen Harrington, who ran against Wasserman Schultz last year, announced earlier this year that she will run again.

Kaufman has the support of Tea Party Fort Lauderdale, says that group's leader, Danita Kilkullen.

"Joeis loved by conservative Jews and gentiles, and may be able to pull some votes from the Jewish people who feel it is their duty to vote for a Jewish candidate over a non-Jew, no matter the party," Kilkullen said.

Citing Kaufman's involvement in demonstrations against fundamentalist Muslim activity, Kilkullen said, "He has stood for Israel and worked relentlessly against terrorism, CAIR and jihadi in mosques since Sept. 12, 2001."

Wasserman Schultz, elected to succeed Peter Deutch in 2004, was named chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, so she will have no shortage of friends and money pouring into her 20th Congressional District.

Acknowledging the battle ahead, Kilkullen said, "It would be good ifJoe did not have to spend time, money and energyon a primary and could fully concentrate on the race as the nominee.Perhaps the other primary candidates couldtake a hard look at who is the best candidate and why."