Alan Grayson Draws Fire From GOP Opponent Carol Platt

Carol Platt of the Osceola County Realtors ramped up her campaign for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., on Tuesday. Platts camp announced formal campaign kickoffs throughout Central Florida toward the end of October.

I am humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we have received, Platt said on Tuesday. Its very inspiring when citizens from all walks of life, in all three counties, including Democrats and independents, encourage me to run for Congress and know my record of being a fiscal and socially conservative Republican for many, many years.

Democrats have a solid registration advantage in the district which includes parts of Orange, Osceola and Polk counties with 43 percent of voters belonging to that party and 29 percent registered with the GOP. But Platts camp insisted on Tuesday that Republicans will come out in 2014, much like the 2010 elections. Regardless, Platt insisted she would run a grassroots campaign.

I believe it is extremely important to mount a grassroots, door-to-door campaign in every neighborhood, and throughout every city and town in the district, Platt said.

Platt also jabbed Grayson on Tuesday.

I am going to be a very different type of member of Congress. I am not going to be bullying anyone or be insensitive toward others, Platt said. "If I am honored to earn enough Republicans support in the primary, the differences between Congressman Grayson and I will be plentiful in record, views, substance and style.

Platt does not have an open shot at the Republican nomination. Also running for the Republican nomination are Navy veteran Jorge Bonilla and community activist Peter Vivaldi, who served on the Orange County Charter Review Commission and ran for Orange County School Board in 2012. Navy veteran Michael McKenna is challenging Grayson in the Democratic primary.