Did the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee pull the plug on Rep. Suzanne Kosmas when it pulled its advertising commitment?
The freshman Kosmas is in a tough, and increasingly feisty, re-election fight with state Rep. Sandy Adams in the 24th Congressional District, and last-minute TV ads can be crucial in tight contests.
But with Republicans surging against Democrats in congressional races from coast to coast, the DCCC has been forced to focus its resources where they will matter most.
The DCCC, which was unavailable to comment for this story, previously cited Kosmas' large fund-raising advantage over Adams as the reason for pulling out of the east-central Florida district.
But Kosmas' financial edge has dulled significantly since the DCCC made its decision.
When DCCC made its call, it said the New Smyrna Beach Democrat had $1.2 million in the bank vs. just $115,000 for Adams. As of Sept. 30, however, Kosmas' reserves had dwindled to $464,485 while Adams' cash on hand was up to $296,737.
Kosmas' campaign did not return messages seeking comment Monday, but Adams was upbeat about the trends in the race.
"We're raising money every day, but you don't have to be the one with the most money. You do have to be the one with the right message," the Oviedo Republican told Sunshine State News.
Speaking of money, Adams said voters are saying they want government spending less of it, and they feel double-crossed by a Democratic incumbent who campaigned as a fiscal hawk in 2008.
Adams says she's hearing that complaint "across the board -- from Democrats and independents, as well as Republicans."
Adams scored points at recent forums where she pounded away at Kosmas' support of the federal heath-care law. The law, which is being challenged by Florida and 19 other states, appears increasingly unpalatable to voters concerned about its costs and constitutionality.
Andy Sere, of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said, Suzanne Kosmas sealed her fate when she flip-flopped on health care and Washington Democrats know there is nothing they can do to change that.
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Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 801-5341.
