http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/ en-US Copyright 2008 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:34:44 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Political Action Arm of Nation's Largest Taxpayer Group Supports Tom Feeney for House of Representatives (Alexandria, VA) - Taxpayers in Florida's 24th Congressional District need a courageous advocate who will fight to allow them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. That's the assessment of the National Taxpayers Union Campaign Fund (NTUCF), the political action arm of the 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU), which today announced its fourth-straight endorsement of Rep. Tom Feeney (R). "Since he arrived on Capitol Hill in 2002, Congressman Feeney has emerged as one of the taxpayer's strongest allies in Washington," NTUCF President Duane Parde said. "National Taxpayers Union Campaign Fund has endorsed him in all three of his previous Congressional bids, and we couldn't be more confident or enthusiastic in recommending him for reelection again on November 4." Feeney has won the Taxpayers' Friend Award in NTU's annual Rating of Congress, which analyzes every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, every year he has been in office. The Rating assigns Members a "Taxpayer Score" and letter grade reflecting their commitment to reducing the burden on taxpayers. In completing and signing NTU's 2008 Congressional Candidate Survey, Feeney has pledged to work for the passage of major tax reform, including making permanent the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, reducing income tax rates, eliminating the Alternative Minimum Tax, repealing the death tax, and abolishing the marriage tax penalty. "Congressman Feeney already has taken a step many candidates - and even current officeholders - are reluctant to do: He's specified in writing his positions on important fiscal issues," Parde concluded. "His commitment to pro-taxpayer policies and his superb record in NTU’s Rating of Congress speak for themselves: Tom Feeney is the taxpayer's choice." Note: NTUCF is the political action arm of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), the nation’s largest grassroots taxpayer organization. NTU, founded in 1969, created the NTU Campaign Fund in 1994. Endorsement decisions by NTUCF require a unanimous vote on a nonpartisan basis by a five-member committee that includes two Independents, one Democrat, and two Republicans. -30- ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/political-action-arm-of-nations-largest-taxpayer-group-supports-tom-feeney-for-house-of-representatives/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/political-action-arm-of-nations-largest-taxpayer-group-supports-tom-feeney-for-house-of-representatives/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:34:44 -0500 Secretary Peake to Join Representative Feeney for media availability What: VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake, Representative Tom Feeney and other Florida officials will break ground at the site of the New Orlando VA Medical Center. Other officials in attendance include Governor Charlie Crist, Senator Mel Martinez, Senator Bill Nelson, Congressional Representatives, Corrine Brown, John Mica, Ric Keller, Dave Weldon, and Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Who: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake and Rep. Tom Feeney When: Friday, October 24th 10:00 a.m. - Ground breaking ceremony begins 11:30 a.m. - General Media availability Where: Site of the new Orlando VA Medical Center 13800 Veterans Way Orlando, FL 32827 Background: The new Orlando VA Medical Center will serve nearly 400,000 veterans as a 134-bed hospital, 118-bed nursing home, 60-bed domiciliary, large outpatient clinic with support services. The new facility will make it easier for east-central Florida veterans to access VA's world-class medical care and relieve the burden of traveling long distances for their inpatient care. The Orlando VAMC will be across the street from the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences campus, along with the Burnham Institute of Research and the Nemours Children’s Hospital, creating a "medical city" in southeast Orlando. ### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/va-secretary-to-participate-in-groundbreaking-for-new-orlando-va-medical-center/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/va-secretary-to-participate-in-groundbreaking-for-new-orlando-va-medical-center/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:53:13 -0500 Tom Feeney Stood Up While Suzanne Kosmas Sat Down By: Sandy Murman, Former Member of Florida House of Representatives As a leader in family and healthcare issues in Florida, who has served as an elected official with both Tom Feeney and Suzanne Kosmas, I have the unique ability to accurately compare the effectiveness of their leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s women, children and healthcare issues. As Florida's House Speaker, Tom appointed me to serve as the first-ever female in the prominent and powerful position of Speaker Pro-Tempore. In this capacity, he heavily relied on me to inform and represent him in women’s, families and health care issues. On his behalf, I chaired the first ever Florida Women's Health Summit, in which we examined and recommended changes to improve women’s health care in our state. Also, as his representative, I chaired a statewide task force that recommended changes to our child welfare and protection laws, with the goal of creating the strongest and most protective guidelines possible for our children under state care. I have personally seen Tom work across both sides of the aisle to support funding for cancer research. He helped create and pass a law that allows mothers to leave their newborns at safe houses rather than abandoning them and endangering their lives. Tom also championed the effort to set reasonable limits on frivolous lawsuits, helping to prevent the disaster that had Florida’s obstetricians ready to close their offices and leave women with few private options for child deliveries. Additionally, Tom co-sponsored legislation for a five year extension on the original Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides coverage for the neediest children. He fought the radical version supported by Democrats that made taxpayers liable to cover medical needs for illegal aliens and middle – upper income families at a billion dollar plus price tag. Through my personal experience, I believe that Suzanne Kosmas lacks the leadership skills necessary to create or support meaningful legislation on women and family issues. She never served as a chairwoman or a vice-chairwoman in her service in the Florida House, and her inability to reach across the aisle to work with both parties resulted in the prevention of any real progress or substantial legislation in KidCare and Child Care legislation during her service. Suzanne is currently supported by numerous trial attorney groups whose jobs are to file frivolous lawsuits which drive up health care costs and liberals groups that support the extreme left position of partial birth abortion. While Tom Feeney stood at the podium as our leader in the State House, Suzanne Kosmas sat in the back aisle. But that shouldn’t have stopped her from standing up, speaking up and stepping out on behalf of her constituents and the women and families of our state. As a woman, a mother, and a leader in Florida’s healthcare and family issues, and an individual that has served with both of the candidates, I highly recommend the voters stand up and choose Tom Feeney because Tom cares about the women in his community. http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/tom-feeney-stood-up-while-suzanne-kosmas-sat-down/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/tom-feeney-stood-up-while-suzanne-kosmas-sat-down/ News Releases Press Releases Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:09:21 -0500 Tom Feeney Stood Up While Suzanne Kosmas Sat Down By: Sandy Murman, Former Member of Florida House of Representatives As a leader in family and healthcare issues in Florida, who has served as an elected official with both Tom Feeney and Suzanne Kosmas, I have the unique ability to accurately compare the effectiveness of their leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida's women, children and healthcare issues. As Florida's House Speaker, Tom appointed me to serve as the first-ever female in the prominent and powerful position of Speaker Pro-Tempore. In this capacity, he heavily relied on me to inform and represent him in women's, families and health care issues. On his behalf, I chaired the first ever Florida Women's Health Summit, in which we examined and recommended changes to improve women's health care in our state. Also, as his representative, I chaired a statewide task force that recommended changes to our child welfare and protection laws, with the goal of creating the strongest and most protective guidelines possible for our children under state care. I have personally seen Tom work across both sides of the aisle to support funding for cancer research. He helped create and pass a law that allows mothers to leave their newborns at safe houses rather than abandoning them and endangering their lives. Tom also championed the effort to set reasonable limits on frivolous lawsuits, helping to prevent the disaster that had Florida's obstetricians ready to close their offices and leave women with few private options for child deliveries. Additionally, Tom co-sponsored legislation for a five year extension on the original Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides coverage for the neediest children. He fought the radical version supported by Democrats that made taxpayers liable to cover medical needs for illegal aliens and middle-upper income families at a billion dollar plus price tag. Through my personal experience, I believe that Suzanne Kosmas lacks the leadership skills necessary to create or support meaningful legislation on women and family issues. She never served as a chairwoman or a vice-chairwoman in her service in the Florida House, and her inability to reach across the aisle to work with both parties resulted in the prevention of any real progress or substantial legislation in KidCare and Child Care legislation during her service. Suzanne is currently supported by numerous trial attorney groups whose jobs are to file frivolous lawsuits which drive up health care costs and liberals groups that support the extreme left position of partial birth abortion. While Tom Feeney stood at the podium as our leader in the State House, Suzanne Kosmas sat in the back aisle. But that shouldn't have stopped her from standing up, speaking up and stepping out on behalf of her constituents and the women and families of our state. As a woman, a mother, and a leader in Florida's healthcare and family issues, and an individual that has served with both of the candidates, I highly recommend the voters stand up and choose Tom Feeney because Tom cares about the women in his community. Orlando Business Journal Editorial Submission Deborah Jallad was a finalist for the Orlando Business Journal’s "Women Who Mean Business", and winner of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) 2006 Trailblazer award. She is a member of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and the Women Presidents Organization. Leadership in a Financial Crisis By: Deborah Jallad, President of Accredited Surety & Casualty Company As an owner of a successful family-owned business and member of the National Federation of Independent Business, I have always paid close attention to our elected officials in Washington DC and the support, or lack of support, which they have given to small business owners and taxpayers in our community. The current crisis on Wall Street has the potential to cripple the financial independence of many small businesses and put tremendous pressure on our taxpayers. This reality makes it essential to know who is representing you during these important times, and to be certain they are advocating and voting on behalf of the interests of the people, not the irresponsible giants on Wall Street. In Central Florida, we are fortunate to be represented by Tom Feeney, a member of the House Financial Services Committee that The Wall Street Journal recently suggested is a leader for other conservatives to watch to learn “how a principled conservative can politically weather a financial storm”. During the housing bailout debate, Feeney delivered a speech on the House floor on behalf of the "forgotten man", the 95% of homeowners that are making their payments on time, stating that "the 99% of Americans that did not behave irresponsibly ... ultimately will pay the price for this bill". I for one am relieved that there is at least person in Washington who is standing up and speaking out on behalf of us business owners and taxpayers, and who is questioning the radical fiscal bailout policy that is being presented in Washington currently, instead of lining up to drink the kool-aid like so many others. We have all seen many elected officials advocate for fiscal restraint, and then practice out of control spending. Congressman Feeney has been a refreshing change from that trend as a nationally recognized leader on reducing frivolous spending in our tax budget. He has treated our national budget with the same careful planning and spending restraint that I employ in operating my business, and he shows great responsibility in the important role of crafting our nation's budget. In addition to the current crisis on Wall Street, I can personally say that Tom Feeney has worked throughout his elected career to lead legislative efforts that support and encourage small businesses like mine and protect taxpayers from governments overstretching reach. Feeney has not only listened to the needs and concerns of the owners and employees of small businesses, he acts on our behalf and never sways from his goals of making small business ownership a realistic dream to follow. Given the current economic environment and uncertainty on Wall Street, I believe it is absolutely critical that our leaders understand and employ policies that don’t over regulate or over tax business. I am grateful that we have a leader in financial policy right here in our own backyard. ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/women-for-feeney-media-release/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/women-for-feeney-media-release/ Press Releases Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:17:18 -0500 "I gave today's vote on the bailout bill a great deal of thought and while I believe that it has been slightly improved with the increase in FDIC insurance, the underlying problem is still in the bill. Using $700 billion of taxpayer money to buy troubled assets and firm up balance sheets on Wall Street will not stimulate Central Florida banks. The United States taxpayer is now an unwilling gambler in the derivatives and hedge fund business; not a place our Founders envisioned America's citizens would be. "One of my main frustrations with this rushed plan is that there are options out there that worked during the Savings and Loan Crisis that do not require the taxpayer to foot the bill -- and these proposals aren't even on the table. "I do believe that responsible action is needed and I have cosponsored a free market alternative SOLUTION to this bailout. The Free Market Protection Act of 2008 uses free market principles to help stabilize the market, loosen capital and allow lending to continue, correct the root cause of this credit crunch and reform legislation to create meaningful regulations. All of this can be done without using taxpayer money to bail out irresponsible decisions on Wall Street. "At the end of the day, I stood with my principles and voted to protect hardworking Main Street Americans from footing the bill for past speculation by Wall Street executives and liberal politicians who pushed lenders to make loans to people without adequate credit." said Feeney. This bill increases the amount of federal debt to $11.3 trillion. That is an additional $8,000 of debt for each American man, woman and child. ### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/tom-feeney-opposes-wall-street-bailout-bill/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/tom-feeney-opposes-wall-street-bailout-bill/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:32:41 -0500 The Forgotten Man Speech (Delivered in May) Mr. Feeney: Well, I thank my friend from Texas and I would say that people in my district, there are some people that are hurting right about now as there are around the country. There are some people that indeed are homeowners in very bad shape. Some, for example, were duped or lied to by people that loaned them money. Some, a few, have lost their jobs. Some bought homes at the high of the housing market, say $150,000 now to find that their house is worth more like $120,000 or $100,000 and we all feel very sympathetic for those people. But I don't feel too terribly bad for speculators that went in search of ways to get higher returns and take higher risks as an exchange and that's who is getting bailed out today -- and that's who is getting bailed out today. I also don't have sympathy when it comes to use taxpayer money to reimburse people who didn't put any money down on their home. They bought an option to buy the home. people that bought into a 3% teaser rate knowing that if the interest rate went to 7% they would never be able to stay in that home. People that used no documentation to demonstrate that they ever had the chance to repay. They moved into a home with an option to continue buying it. they didn't make the type of commitment that most homeowners do to put $10,000 -- 10% or 20% or 30% down and to make sure they have a mortgage and loan that they can pay under virtually any circumstances, except for a disaster. Who does this bill help? "The Wall Street Journal" made it very clear who this bill helps. This bill is a bailout from American taxpayers of speculators and imprudent borrowers. Less than 1% of borrowers in homes under this bill would be eligible when all is said and done to be helped. I come today to speak on behalf of the forgotten man and that includes some 50% of Americans that either own their home or are renting. every one of them watching today needs to know that they are bailing out irresponsible speculators and lenders and they will pay the price of this bill. I come here to speak for the 95% of homeowners that are making their payments on time that took out responsible loans. They need to know that they are bailing out irresponsible speculators and people that went in search of higher profits. Investors who take advantage of this program are basically getting a guarantee gift from the government of 85% of a loan that they know is not likely to perform. we are bailing out people that will cherry pick the very worst loans in their portfolio. Who is here speaking on behalf of the forgotten man who is here speaking on behalf of 99% of Americans that did not behave irresponsibly, that did not behave foolishly, that ultimately will pay the price for this bill? Well, some of us in the minority are here speaking on behalf of the forgotten man, which is 99% of America. and I would leave you with this. Chairman frank and the c.b.o. and others can estimate how much this bill will cost. 99% of Americans that were not irresponsible that will pay the price. the answer is, we don't know. we don't have a crystal ball. if property prices around the country take off by another 50% and go up, there will be no cost. If they go down by 30%, the costwill be closer to $300 billion than $2 billion. The speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. who seeks recognition? the gentleman from massachusetts. mr. frank: i yield two minutes to an author of an amendment in the bill, the gentleman from wisconsin, mr. kagen. http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/the-forgotten-man-speech/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/the-forgotten-man-speech/ Press Releases Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:46:20 -0500 Women for Feeney Coalition Chairs: Leslie Waters and Sandy Murman Working Women, Working Mothers - Tom Feeney creates high-wage jobs for Central Florida. - Tom Feeney has helped to create 135,000 jobs in Central Florida with an average salary of $65,000, while his opponent, Suzanne Kosmas, has only sponsored one job-related bill, creating 5 non-salaried jobs. - Tom Feeney listens to women. - Tom Feeney has continually shown his commitment and support of women in leadership roles. He awarded the top two positions in his Congressional office to women, promoted the first female to ever serve in the prominent role of Speaker Pro-Tempore during his service as Florida House Speaker, and appointed 21 women to serve as chair and vice-chair positions during his term as Speaker. - Tom Feeney is a guardian of small business. -Tom Feeney has been consistently endorsed by NFIB, receiving its "guardian of small business" award. NFIB's main missions include helping small business owners and their employees receive affordable health care, tax relief, and the reduction of governmental burdens. Suzanne Kosmas was given a failing grade by the same organization for her failure to support the needs of small business owners and their employees. - Tom Feeney believes that empowered families are productive families. - Tom Feeney has long believed that America's children deserve the best education, not the most expensive. He has long been a leader in empowering parents, instead of the government, to choose the best school for their children. The state of Florida has the largest school choice program in the country, allowing over 40,573 low-income and special needs students to move to schools that best serve their needs. Suzanne Kosmas has consistently opposed legislation to give parents a choice in where their children attend school, rewarded failing schools, taking rewards away from successful teachers and schools. Members: Nancy Acevado Mary Lou Andews Lillian Banks Leslie Bartlett Virginia Bomford Carolyn Booth Jane Brooks Lila Buchanan Brenda Carey Karen Clancy Mary Cole Shannon Corrado Kathleen Droessler Helen Elie Judy England Beverly Evans Jerry Ferris Elizabeth Giannani Candy Gilman Christina Gomez Linda Grier Cynthia Handley Ingrid Hellender Debbie Jallad Kim Kirtley Georgianna Kovac Mary Ann Lansing Virgina Lewandowski Carole Mason Yvonne Opfell Nancy Patterson Karen Pelot Patty Redlich Kathleen Shanahan Avery Smith Gloria Dunmire Click here to see media updates from the Women for Feeney Coalition]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/ellens-corner/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/ellens-corner/ Position Statements Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:49:54 -0500 "Last week, I said that I will vote against a bailout unless a free market approach is taken that puts the burdens of rescuing Wall Street on the private sector, not taxpayers. This $700 billion bailout is touted by Treasury Secretary Paulson and Chairman Barney Frank, as once again, the cure all for America's economic woes. Yet it fixes none of the fundamental structural problems that American government is responsible for. While I believe that intervention is needed, the Paulson plan's broad alteration of our free market system is not the answer and we need proposed market solutions to the credit crisis. Buying troubled assets on Wall Street balance sheets does NOT stimulate American banks in Central Florida, but it does create a huge new bureaucracy which may control lending in America and become the largest leap toward socialism in my lifetime. "I fear that this rushed plan mirrors the populist-socialist responses that lengthened the Great Depression during which 50% of American banks collapsed and unemployment stayed over 10% during a dismal decade. While we cannot turn back time and undo decades of government actions that allowed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to swell to unsustainable financial heights, we can move forward and ensure that hardworking Main Street Americans do not foot the bill for past speculation by Wall Street executives or liberal politicians who browbeat lenders to make loans to people without adequate credit ability. "Finally this bill increases the amount of federal debt to $11.3 trillion, a 26% increase in the two years since Democrats took control of Congress. That is an additional $8,000 of debt for each American man, woman and child," said Feeney. Feeney Response to Paulson/Frank "Rescue Plan" "The free market failed, it's up to government to fix the problem" Democrat Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, author of the Bailout Bill. Who/what caused subprime bubbles and the current economic crisis? Treasury Secretary Alan Greenspan in 2005 said: If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac "continue to grow...they potentially create ever-growing potential systemic risk down the road ... we are placing the total financial system of the future at substantial risk." During a Financial Services Committee legislative markup on May 24, 2005, the Hensarling/Feeney Amendment was offered to protect taxpayers from crushing bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Hensarling/Feeney Amendment established a new regulator to: 1) repeal the Congressional charters of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 2) create a bank-like secondary mortgage market, and 3) establish new charters for limited purpose mortgage securitization entities that could be auctioned off competitively. Feeney voted YES but the Democrats unanimously voted NO and killed reform and taxpayer protection. Why? Leading Democrat Barney Frank said in 2003: These two entities - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - are not facing any kind of financial crisis. The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing." After billions in accounting scandals at both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Barney Frank said in 2004: "I don't see anything in your report that raises safety and soundness problems." "I have seen nothing in here that suggests the safety and soundness are an issue. And, I think it serves us badly to raise safety and soundness as kind of a general [inaudible] when it does not seem to be an issue." Democratic leader Maxine Waters said: "Through nearly a dozen hearings that we were, frankly, trying to fix something that wasn't broke. Mr. Chairman we do not have a crisis at Freddie Mac, and in particular Fannie Mae under the outstanding leadership of Mr. Frank Rains." Feeney also voted in 2005 to cut off a $2 billion line of credit from U.S. taxpayers to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Today, the same people who protected Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are proposing a $700 billion bailout of Wall Street speculators. Barney Frank and other Democratic leaders revised the Community Reinvestment Act in 1995, forcing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and all American lenders to make risky loans to people in poor communities. Loans were given regardless of the borrower's ability to pay. And, ACORN, a corrupt left wing "community group" engaged in extensive voter registration fraud across this country, was given taxpayer money to extort banks and lenders into making more bad loans. Taxpayer money was used to browbeat lenders to make non-creditworthy loans. Since the economic credit crisis began, we were told by Secretary Paulson and Barney Frank that: 1. The $152 billion "stimulus" package would resolve the American economic problem. (Feeney predicts it is a silly "rain dance," having no long term stimulus) 2. The Bear Stearns taxpayer bailout would resolve the credit crisis 3. The Fannie/Freddie bailout in July would totally resolve the financial crisis and the U.S. Treasury would not have to take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (Feeney votes no and predicts bigger problems for America) 4. The federal government takeover of AIG, the largest insurer in America, would end this global crisis. The current $700 billion bailout, touted by Treasury Secretary Paulson and Chairman Barney Frank, fixes none of the fundamental structural problems the federal government is responsible for. Buying troubled assets on Wall Street balance sheets does NOT stimulate American banks on Main Street in Central Florida to increase lending and credit. It adds short term money, which banks will HOARD, as they are required to increase reserves and make fewer loans to healthy consumers and businesses. It does NOT privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It does not repeal the Community Reinvestment Act. It creates a huge new bureaucracy which may control lending in America and become the largest leap toward socialism in my lifetime. What Congress must do to save American freedom and our economy. 1. Stop naked short selling of bank stocks -- Predatory investors, including foreigners, sell stocks they don’t own to drive down the price of the stock, which they can later buy cheaper and profit. This kills bank equity and forces banks to stop making loans in order to meet material reserve requirements. (In September of 2006, Tom Feeney sends a letter to the SEC with his concerns over naked short selling) 2. Guarantee bank deposits in excess of $100,000 and bank creditors -- This will bolster bank share prices and lead to more immediate lending to families and small businesses. 3. Issue guaranteed network certificates in exchange for bank promissory notes --This will get banks to save lending restrictions and give them time to work through the real estate mess. 4. End "mark to market" accounting rules -- Banks and institutions that hold packages of securitized mortgages cannot sell those packages because in this environment there are NO buyers. But those mortgages are secured by real estate worth some value, even if it is not 100% of the loan value. These mortgages are not worth zero, just because there is no market to buy them during this crisis. Banks have to count such mortgage holdings as ZERO asset reserves. Every dollar a bank counts as reserves would result in $10 in lending ability today. Mark these assets at "fair market value." 5. Jump start private purchase of mortgage securities -- Don't buy $700 billion in troubled mortgage securities with taxpayer money. Have an auction for private investors using private money to make such purchases. To start buyer activity, grant buyers a zero percent capital gains tax - not the 28% tax Senator Obama proposes, but 0%. Most mortgages will be purchased without any taxpayer exposure. 6. Establish a privately funded insurance model for mortgage backed securities -- Holders of these securities would pay risk-based premiums to fully fund a guarantee of asset values, without taxpayer exposure. 7. Unleash the American Economy -- Immediately pass comprehensive energy policy that will put hundreds of billions of dollars into the American economy overnight. Congress should pass free trade legislation including agreements with Columbia, Panama and South Korea to help American exporters. Without delay Congress should kill the built-in Democrat tax increases which are scheduled to raise taxes on Florida families by $3,040 a year. Finally, the Paulson/Frank bailout bill raises the federal government's debt to $11.3 trillion -- a 26% increase. In the less than two years Democrats have controlled Congress, the national debt has jumped over $8,000 for every man, woman and child in America. Can we afford 2 more years of that behavior? Tom Feeney in the Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal POTOMAC WATCH SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178430722754827.html How to Campaign In a Financial Crisis By KIMBERLEY A. STRASSEL "I come today to speak on behalf of the forgotten man, and that includes some 50% of Americans that either own their home, or are renting . . . the 95% of homeowners that are making their payments on time . . . the 99% of Americans that did not behave irresponsibly . . . that ultimately will pay the price for this bill." John McCain? Dream on. Those were the words of Florida Rep. Tom Feeney in May, as the House considered a housing bailout. If the flustered McCain campaign is looking for pointers on how a principled conservative can politically weather a financial storm, it might make a study of this Sunshine State Republican. Especially given Sen. McCain's misguided response to this week's financial meltdown. Taking a cue from Hillary Clinton, he's gone populist, railing against "failed regulation, reckless management and a casino culture on Wall Street." He's offered no other explanation for how the U.S. got into this mess. He's signed on to pretty much every Washington bailout. Mr. McCain has, in short, yielded to every temptation faced by a Republican in a financial crisis. Government largely created this mess, yet in a bid to look proactive he's calling for more government. Markets by necessity have winners and losers, yet he feels the need to offer aid to Americans who made bad bets. Voters are intelligent enough to have a serious financial story explained to them, yet Mr. McCain blames Wall Street. Mr. Feeney might well be tempted to also indulge in this game. The three-term congressman, one of the most conservative members of the conservative Republican Study Committee, is fighting one of the toughest re-elections in the country. House Democrats have targeted his central Florida district for their "red-to-blue" program, and are pouring money into the campaign of former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas. Mr. Feeney may be outspent 3 to 1, in a district with a rising number of independent and Democratic voters. It's a district acutely sensitive to today's crisis. It has only 4% of the state population, but 7.5% of the Floridians who have called the government's mortgage hotline are Mr. Feeney's constituents. The area's many retirees are watching the plunge in the stock market with dread. Yet on the stump, in speeches and on the floor of the House, Mr. Feeney strives to provide voters with a narrative for how the U.S. reached this crisis. It begins and ends with government. He explains it was the Federal Reserve that eased interest rates, which led to easy money and inspired banks and mortgage firms to borrow more and take riskier bets. He notes it was politicians who created beasts like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, pressured them to provide more credit to subprime borrowers, passed legislation allowing them to ramp up their liabilities, and guaranteed their mistakes. Easy-money Fed policy led to a weak dollar and today's inflated cost of groceries and gas. "This isn't a free market collapse," he says. "Most of this was caused by mismanagement of government." Which leads naturally to Mr. Feeney's other theme, that today's rush to government action will make things worse. He voted against the housing bailout, using his "forgotten man" speech to redirect attention to the many responsible Americans who would have to pay for the mistakes of housing speculators and imprudent borrowers. Yesterday, he joined RSC members in a press conference to warn that more government bailouts will only encourage companies to continue excessive risk-taking, prolong the agony, and leave taxpayers to pay the bills. Mr. Feeney's narrative has meanwhile laid his groundwork for the broader economic debate. Nothing would hurt the economy right now more than growth-stifling tax hikes, yet Mr. Feeney notes that's what his Democratic opponent would do. He has railed against Democrats' protectionist opposition to more free trade, given trade's outsized role in sustaining today's economy. He warns that excessive regulation will further drive capital out of the country, just when we need it most. He is pushing for offshore drilling, even as fellow Florida Republicans duck the issue. So what fate awaits the politician who refuses to pander? Who doesn't attack industry, or argue for sweeping government action? Mr. Feeney has suffered no calamitous drop in the polls. His favorability ratings remain consistent. In fact, despite Ms. Kosmas throwing everything and the kitchen sink at him -- including an age-old trip with Jack Abramoff -- the Republican is highly competitive, and feeling optimistic. Mr. Feeney says that even if he were spooked, he'd take the same course. "Demagoguery is good short-term politics, but terrible long-term policy -- and bad economic policy will ultimately catch up with you." Camp McCain? Write to kim@wsj.com Please add your comments to the Opinion Journal forum. ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/feeney-response-to-paulsonfrank-rescue-plan/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/feeney-response-to-paulsonfrank-rescue-plan/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:25:21 -0500 When was the last time Tom Feeney spoke with the FBI? Is he cooperating with the FBI's investigation? Rep. Feeney and his office have voluntarily cooperated with this investigation and provided extensive materials, documents and email records, roughly two years ago. Can Feeney assure voters that their Congressman will not be indicted? Rep. Feeney cooperated and voluntarily provided information requested by investigators. While Tom has always said that he wishes in retrospect that he'd never been on that trip, the facts prove that Tom acted in accordance with the law. Have Tom Feeney's office records been subpoenaed? No. Rep. Feeney’s office has voluntarily cooperated and voluntarily turned over retained documents to investigators. Why did it take Tom Feeney five years to admit a mistake? Again, the Kosmas campaign needs to learn how to Google. Tom Feeney has been straightforward in discussing his 2003 trip to Scotland with his constituents, reporters, and editorial boards. Throughout his career, Tom has consistently fought for Central Floridians and delivered results for our community. This 5-year old story has been an expensive and embarrassing lesson for Tom but he has continued to be Central Florida's fighting voice in Congress for lower energy prices, eliminating illegal immigration, curbing irresponsible pork spending, and advocacy for NASA. Tom immediately and proactively requested an opinion from the House Ethics Committee after learning that there were discrepancies regarding the trip and trip sponsor. Why did Tom Feeney vote to block a congressional ethics investigation? Tom Feeney immediately notified the House Ethics Committee upon learning that the organization that he was informed paid for the trip, had not. He asked the Committee what steps he should take to correct the matter. After contacting the Ethics Committee Tom personally reimbursed the cost of the trip. Why did Tom Feeney claim he did nothing on behalf of imprisoned lobbyist Jack Abramoff when official records tell another story? We are unaware of any actions that Rep. Feeney's office took at the request of Jack Abramoff. Like all Members of Congress, as a part of his official job duties, Tom has cosponsored hundreds of bills and signed hundreds of letters in support or in opposition of legislation that he believes are consistent with the interests of his constituents and the American people. Tom will tell you without any hesitation that during his 17 years of public service, he has always followed the law and in no way traded legislative favors for personal gain. Why did Tom Feeney only pay back around $5,000 for the trip when court documents have shown the actual cost was closer to $20,000? As soon as Tom learned that there was concern about the trip and the trip sponsor, he proactively requested an opinion from the House Ethics Committee on how to proceed to ensure that all legal and ethical steps were taken. He immediately followed their direction, and wrote a personal check to the U.S. Treasury for the amount reported to the office, as is standard practice. Ethics Committee Statement HERE: http://ethics.house.gov/News/Read.aspx?ID=99 "If public service really is about honesty for Tom Feeney, then he owes Floridians much more than just a thirty second explanation. They deserve the full story." Rep. Feeney has been forthcoming about this situation from the day he discovered the problems. Further, for years, he has answered questions the House Ethics Committee, editorial boards, media interviews and constituents. If the Kosmas campaign needs more information on the trip, they can visit Rep. Feeney's campaign website www.tomfeeney.com where a fuller explanation of the trip has been posted. Tom has set an example for how he believes Americans expect their elected officials to respond in situations like this. Now that he has responded to the Kosmas campaign's list of questions, we'd request that they respond to our questions: The Feeney Campaign demands that Ms. Kosmas follow the Feeney Example and show the same type of transparency on her shady art deal and turn herself in for a review by the Florida Ethics Commission for her alleged abuse of power. The one time Kosmas had any budgetary authority, as a board member on the selection committee of the Volusia County Cultural Arts Advisory Board, she recommended that the county buy a sculpture for $25,300 when the budget was set at $12,000. She doubled the cost to taxpayers. Later, it was discovered that the artist contributed $1,000 to Kosmas' campaign. This raises very serious ethical questions about the relationship between the contribution to Kosmas and her decision to exceed her spending authority by over 100% to benefit one of her donors. She must now follow the Feeney Example and immediately request a review and investigation by the Florida Ethics Commission of the legality of her actions on behalf of a political contributor. If Kosmas cannot be trusted with a $12,000 taxpayer budget, how can she be trusted with a $3 trillion taxpayer budget? ### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/feeney-responds-to-kosmas-campaign-questions-will-kosmas-respond-to-feeney/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/feeney-responds-to-kosmas-campaign-questions-will-kosmas-respond-to-feeney/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:26:42 -0500
Dear Central Floridian, Thank you for visiting my website. If you recently saw my television ad regarding my 2003 trip to Scotland, I'd like to take this opportunity to explain more to you about the trip. As a freshman representative, I went on a trip to Scotland, based on an invitation to meet governmental dignitaries. I was informed that the trip would be mostly business in nature and my staff contacted the House Ethics Committee prior to agreeing and was told that members had gone on similar trips in the recent past and there were no problems with my accepting. As soon as I learned that there was concern about the trip and the trip sponsor, I proactively requested an opinion from the House Ethics Committee on how to proceed to ensure that all legal and ethical steps were taken. I immediately followed their direction, and wrote a personal check to the U.S. Treasury for the amount I was told represented my expenses. For five years, I have been straightforward in repeatedly answering the same questions from reporters, editorial boards and my constituents regarding this trip. I will tell you without any hesitation that during my 17 years of public service, I have personally followed the law and in no way traded legislative favors for personal gain. I am saddened and embarrassed to be associated on any level with anyone who abused the public trust. While I wish in retrospect that I'd never been on that trip, I am certain that all facts uncovered will prove that I acted only in accordance with the law. Throughout my career, I have consistently fought for you and delivered results for our community. This 5-year old story has been an expensive and embarrassing lesson for me, but I have continued to be Central Florida's fighting voice in Congress for lower gas prices, eliminating illegal immigration, supporting our veterans, curbing irresponsible pork spending, and NASA advocacy. Please see the Ethics Committee Statement and a MY Word to the Sentinel below: http://ethics.house.gov/News/Read.aspx?ID=99 http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-myword0107may01,0,5744264.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines OTHER VIEWS MY WORD Feeney: Let me clarify facts about tripTom Feeney May 1, 2007 In recent weeks, the media have reported on my association with a high-profile case, and I feel strongly that I need to clarify to my constituency a few brief, but very important facts. Most important, I say without any hesitation that I have personally followed the law, and during my 16 years of public service, I have in no way ever traded legislative favors for personal gain. Any suggestion otherwise is untrue and incredibly offensive. In August 2003 I went on a trip to Scotland, based on an invitation to meet governmental dignitaries. I was told that a public-policy group was sponsoring the trip. My staff contacted the House ethics committee prior to my going on the trip and was told that members had gone on similar trips in the recent past. At the time of the trip, I personally paid for my flight out of Scotland, greens fees and other activities. As soon as I learned that there was concern about the trip and trip sponsor, I took it upon myself to request an opinion from the ethics committee on how to proceed to ensure that all legal and ethical steps were taken by me. I immediately followed their direction, and wrote a personal check to the U.S. Treasury in the only amount that had been reported to my office at the time in association with the trip, as is standard practice. The ethics committee decided to take no action against me. Investigations into a number of matters continue, and I have been told I am not a target. I am happy to voluntarily provide information to investigators, and I know that the more information they have, the clearer it will become that I followed the law. While serving as an elected official, I have voted my conscience based on principles that haven't changed. Any suggestion that I have taken legislative action for personal gain or to benefit a lobbyist is an outright lie. I have said before, and will say again that I am saddened and embarrassed to be associated on any level with anyone who abused the public trust. While I wish in retrospect that I had never been on that trip, I am certain that all facts uncovered will prove that I acted only in accordance with the law. I take my position and responsibility as your elected representative very seriously, and assure you that my No. 1 goal is to serve my constituency through good public policy and principled representation. I have represented the interests of the community leaders, businesses, and constituents in my district with the integrity it demands and deserves, and will continue to work toward achieving the goals of our community and serving Central Florida. I have represented the interests of the community leaders, businesses, and constituents in my district with the integrity it demands and deserves, and will continue to work toward achieving the goals of our community and serving Central Florida. U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, an Oviedo Republican, represents the 24th District of Florida Copyright © 2007,Orlando Sentinel Page Printed from: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-myword0107may01,0,5744264.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines at May 1, 2007 ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/position-statements/ethics/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/position-statements/ethics/ Position Statements Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:52:00 -0500 VFW-PAC endorses Congressman Tom Feeney (Orlando, Florida) -The Washington, DC based Political Action Committee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars endorses Tom Feeney for reelection this November. "Congressman Feeney has proven to be an incredibly strong advocate for veterans and their families," said Larry Rivers, the VFW-PAC Executive Director. "He understands the need to take care of those who protected and defended our great country. As a three term Member of Congress he has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in the fight to improve the quality of life and the health care of veterans, military retirees and their families." Dave Harris, State Commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, said: "The military community of central Florida is very fortunate to have Tom Feeney representing them in Washington, DC. Tom has been dedicated to veteran's issues since the beginning of his public service career in the Florida House of Representatives. His most notable achievement on behalf of veterans has been his tireless work to secure funding for the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center which will provide not only world class medical care to the veterans of central Florida, but will serve as an economic engine by creating hundreds of high paying jobs in the area. When we needed his support for a "GI Bill for the 21st Century" he cosponsored the Post 9-11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act which will provide young veterans over $80,000 dollars for their college education. As a freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tom Feeney was involved in the negotiations which ultimately resulted in Combat Related Special Compensation and Concurrent Disability Retirement Pay. He remains committed to achieving full and complete concurrent receipt for VA Disability Compensation and Military Retirement Pay for all medically retired service members." "As a member and later Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Congressman Feeney led the efforts to insure adequate funding for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs programs including the construction of State Veterans Nursing Homes in Pembroke Pines, Land ‘O’ Lakes, Panama City and Port Charlotte. His legislative leadership team crafted a bill that increased the Homestead tax exemption from $500.00 to $5000.00 for disabled veterans rated 10-90%. Subsequently, Tom supported expanding this important exemption to the surviving spouses of these veterans. In 1979, the VFW became the first veterans' service organization to create a political action committee as a separate, incorporated arm of the national organization. The VFW-PAC Board of Directors examines each candidate’s voting record and considers his or her actions with respect to issues of importance to the VFW. Before issuing these endorsements the board solicited information and recommendations from the leadership of Florida’s Veterans of Foreign Wars. ### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/vfwpac-endorses-congressman-tom-feeney/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/vfwpac-endorses-congressman-tom-feeney/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:53:38 -0500 Glass Houses Kosmas Campaign Plans to Keep Tainted Rangel Money What about Her Shady Art Deal? (Oviedo, FL) - People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. In yesterday's Orlando Sentinel, the Kosmas campaign said they plan to keep the tainted money that Kosmas received from Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY). Even the liberal New York Times editorial board joined other newspapers from around the country in calling on Rangel to step aside as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. While this drama unfolds, the hypocritical Kosmas Campaign and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) are running a smear campaign accusing Tom Feeney of guilt by association. The DCCC received $243,000 from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and has pumped thousands of dollars into Kosmas' campaign. Rangel, the chairman of the committee that oversees the IRS has an ethical cloud over him for his own personal tax filings yet Kosmas plans to keep the $14,000 she received from him. Even the Democratic National Committee returned the $100,000 they received. Years ago, when Tom Feeney found out Jack Abramoff was dishonest and corrupt, he gave the $1,000 contribution to charity. Furthermore, when Tom realized there was a concern about the Scotland trip and trip sponsor, Tom proactively took it upon himself to request an opinion from the House Ethics Committee on how to proceed to ensure that all legal and ethical steps were taken. He immediately followed their direction, and wrote a personal check to the U.S. Treasury. The Feeney Campaign asks Ms. Kosmas to follow the Feeney Example and show the same type of transparency on her shady art deal and turn herself in for a review by the Florida Ethics Commission for her alleged abuse of power. The one time Kosmas had any budgetary authority, as a board member on the selection committee of the Volusia County Cultural Arts Advisory Board, she recommended that the county buy a sculpture for $25,300 when the budget was set at $12,000. She doubled the cost to taxpayers. Later, it was discovered that the artist contributed $1,000 to Kosmas' campaign. This raises very serious ethical questions about the relationship between the contribution to Kosmas and her decision to exceed her spending authority by over 100% to benefit one of her donors. If Kosmas cannot be trusted with a $12,000 taxpayer budget, how can she be trusted with a $3 trillion taxpayer budget? ### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/glass-houses-kosmas-campaign-plans/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/glass-houses-kosmas-campaign-plans/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:07:58 -0500 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178430722754827.html How to Campaign In a Financial Crisis By KIMBERLEY A. STRASSEL "I come today to speak on behalf of the forgotten man, and that includes some 50% of Americans that either own their home, or are renting . . . the 95% of homeowners that are making their payments on time . . . the 99% of Americans that did not behave irresponsibly . . . that ultimately will pay the price for this bill." John McCain? Dream on. Those were the words of Florida Rep. Tom Feeney in May, as the House considered a housing bailout. If the flustered McCain campaign is looking for pointers on how a principled conservative can politically weather a financial storm, it might make a study of this Sunshine State Republican. Especially given Sen. McCain's misguided response to this week's financial meltdown. Taking a cue from Hillary Clinton, he's gone populist, railing against "failed regulation, reckless management and a casino culture on Wall Street." He's offered no other explanation for how the U.S. got into this mess. He's signed on to pretty much every Washington bailout. Mr. McCain has, in short, yielded to every temptation faced by a Republican in a financial crisis. Government largely created this mess, yet in a bid to look proactive he's calling for more government. Markets by necessity have winners and losers, yet he feels the need to offer aid to Americans who made bad bets. Voters are intelligent enough to have a serious financial story explained to them, yet Mr. McCain blames Wall Street. Mr. Feeney might well be tempted to also indulge in this game. The three-term congressman, one of the most conservative members of the conservative Republican Study Committee, is fighting one of the toughest re-elections in the country. House Democrats have targeted his central Florida district for their "red-to-blue" program, and are pouring money into the campaign of former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas. Mr. Feeney may be outspent 3 to 1, in a district with a rising number of independent and Democratic voters. It's a district acutely sensitive to today's crisis. It has only 4% of the state population, but 7.5% of the Floridians who have called the government's mortgage hotline are Mr. Feeney's constituents. The area's many retirees are watching the plunge in the stock market with dread. Yet on the stump, in speeches and on the floor of the House, Mr. Feeney strives to provide voters with a narrative for how the U.S. reached this crisis. It begins and ends with government. He explains it was the Federal Reserve that eased interest rates, which led to easy money and inspired banks and mortgage firms to borrow more and take riskier bets. He notes it was politicians who created beasts like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, pressured them to provide more credit to subprime borrowers, passed legislation allowing them to ramp up their liabilities, and guaranteed their mistakes. Easy-money Fed policy led to a weak dollar and today's inflated cost of groceries and gas. "This isn't a free market collapse," he says. "Most of this was caused by mismanagement of government." Which leads naturally to Mr. Feeney's other theme, that today's rush to government action will make things worse. He voted against the housing bailout, using his "forgotten man" speech to redirect attention to the many responsible Americans who would have to pay for the mistakes of housing speculators and imprudent borrowers. Yesterday, he joined RSC members in a press conference to warn that more government bailouts will only encourage companies to continue excessive risk-taking, prolong the agony, and leave taxpayers to pay the bills. Mr. Feeney's narrative has meanwhile laid his groundwork for the broader economic debate. Nothing would hurt the economy right now more than growth-stifling tax hikes, yet Mr. Feeney notes that's what his Democratic opponent would do. He has railed against Democrats' protectionist opposition to more free trade, given trade's outsized role in sustaining today's economy. He warns that excessive regulation will further drive capital out of the country, just when we need it most. He is pushing for offshore drilling, even as fellow Florida Republicans duck the issue. So what fate awaits the politician who refuses to pander? Who doesn't attack industry, or argue for sweeping government action? Mr. Feeney has suffered no calamitous drop in the polls. His favorability ratings remain consistent. In fact, despite Ms. Kosmas throwing everything and the kitchen sink at him -- including an age-old trip with Jack Abramoff -- the Republican is highly competitive, and feeling optimistic. Mr. Feeney says that even if he were spooked, he'd take the same course. "Demagoguery is good short-term politics, but terrible long-term policy -- and bad economic policy will ultimately catch up with you." Camp McCain? Write to kim@wsj.com Please add your comments to the Opinion Journal forum. ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/tom-feeney-in-todays-wall-street-journal/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/tom-feeney-in-todays-wall-street-journal/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:53:50 -0500 "I look forward to joining Secretary Peake, Central Florida veterans and local officials this October to celebrate the construction of a long-overdue hospital to serve Central Florida's large veterans population. This new facility will provide veterans with a better quality of life and cut down on the cost to service organizations," said Feeney. Former Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and current Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind) said this of Tom Feeney's efforts to bring the hospital to fruition: "Rep. Feeney's persistent efforts in Congress have helped secure the funding that has spurred the project on thus far. With Rep. Feeney's dedication to completion of this project, the Orlando VA medical center at Lake Nona will soon be a reality," Congressman Buyer. Media Advisory What: Orlando VA Hospital Groundbreaking Who: Secretary Peake, Tom Feeney, Central Florida veterans, local elected officials, members of the medical city community When: October 24, 2008 Where: VA Hospital site at Lake Nona Time: TBA #### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/orlando-va-hospital-groundbreaking/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/orlando-va-hospital-groundbreaking/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:35:13 -0500 Hypocrisy Persists at Kosmas Campaign Suzanne Kosmas Owes Central Floridians Answers (Oviedo, FL) - After running away from her support of an Iraq War resolution and after weeks of airing dishonest ads regarding Tom Feeney's veterans' record, hypocrisy continues unabated this week at the Kosmas campaign. Because he believes that Central Floridians deserve an honest and principled voice in Washington, Tom Feeney today called on Suzanne Kosmas to speak the truth to voters on her pay raise support, her Charlie Rangel contributions, her shady art deal, and her whereabouts. SUZANNE'S SHADY ART DEAL ON THE TAXPAYER DIME Kosmas' Claim: Kosmas claims that she will fight to rein in wasteful spending and "fight for ethical reforms that put her constituents, not special interests, first." BUT: The one time Kosmas had any budgetary authority, as a board member on the selection committee of the Volusia County Cultural Arts Advisory Board, she recommended that the county buy a sculpture for $25,300 when the budget was set at $12,000. She doubled the cost to taxpayers. Later, it was discovered that the artist contributed $1,000 to Kosmas’ campaign. This raises very serious ethical questions about the relationship between the contribution to Kosmas and her decision to exceed her spending authority by over 100% to benefit one of her donors. QUESTIONABLE CONTRIBUTIONS Today, the liberal New York Times joined other newspapers from around the country in calling on Chairman Charlie Rangel to step aside as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. The Chairman of the committee that oversees the IRS has an ethical cloud over him for his own personal tax filings. Kosmas has received $14,000 from Rangel yet failed to return any of those campaign contributions. The Kosmas Campaign and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) are running a smear campaign accusing Tom of guilt by association. The DCCC received $243,000 from Jack Abramoff yet Kosmas continues to take their money. Tom received $1,000 from Abramoff and gave that contribution to a local charity. PAY RAISE Kosmas' Claim: Kosmas claims that, if elected, she will never accept a pay raise and will send that money back to the federal treasury. BUT: Suzanne Kosmas repeatedly accepted pay raises during her eight years in the Florida Legislature. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS SUZANNE KOSMAS? Kosmas' Claim To promote transparency, Kosmas claims she will post her daily schedule, on her website. BUT: Why should she wait? If she is as committed to transparency as she claims, she should start posting her schedule today. Other than distorting her own record, running misleading TV ads and promising no drilling for Floridians, Kosmas is invisible in the district she wants to represent and there are hardly any opportunities for voters to meet her or hear from her. ### ]]> http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/suzanne-kosmas-owes-central-floridians-answers/ http://feeney.tcvmedia.com/suzanne-kosmas-owes-central-floridians-answers/ Breaking News News Releases Press Releases Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:06:23 -0500