U.S. House, Florida - 24th District
East central -- Orlando suburbs, part of Space Coast
Race Forecast: Leans Democratic
2008: Rep.
2006: Rep.
Democratic former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas’ attacks on Feeney’s ethical record have gained traction in the Republican-leaning district. After months of criticism, Feeney issued an apology for his past association with convicted lobbyist Jack Abamoff. Feeney established a legal defense fund last year but has not been charged with wrongdoing. Democrats believe Kosmas’ assistance from the national party and EMILY’s List help make Kosmas well-positioned to take over the district
Race Information
- Incumbent: Suzanne Kosmas, D
- First Elected: 2008 (1st term)
- Last Elected: (%)
- Incumbent Status: Running for re-election
- Race Forecast: Leans Democratic
District Information
Politics in America District Profile
The 24th includes nearly 60 miles of Atlantic coastline
The Kennedy Space Center is the region’s economic engine. The 2003
Tourism is another important pillar of the local economy. Launches at Cape Canaveral are a huge draw, and the district’s coastline and nature preserves attract eco-tourists and beach-seeking visitors from Orlando’s resorts. In the north are popular beach communities and the city of Daytona Beach, most of which is in the neighboring 7th District. The 24th takes in one of Daytona Beach’s jewels — Daytona International Speedway, home to NASCAR’s Daytona 500 stock car race.
The district, with a relatively young population for Florida, is potentially politically competitive but has a distinct Republican lean in voter registration. The GOP nominee does well in presidential contests here, and George W. Bush captured 52 percent of the area’s vote in 2000 before increasing his percentage by 4 points in 2004.
Major Industry
Aerospace, tourism, technology
Cities
Port Orange, 45,823; Titusville, 40,670; Altamonte Springs (pt.), 30,130; Oviedo, 26,316; Deltona (pt.), 22,510
Notable
One of the Space Coast region’s area codes is 321, deliberately chosen to mimic the countdown to liftoff.
- Demographics (2000 census)
- Population: 639,295
- Under 18: 23%
- Over 65: 15%
- Married: 56.8%
- Non-Hispanic White: 80%
- Black: 6%
- Hispanic: 10%
- Asian: 2%
- Foreign Born: 7.9%
- Language other than English: 14.0%
- Median Household Income: 43,954
- Owner Occupied Housing: 74%
- Income above $200k: 1.9
- Workforce/Education (2000 census)
- White Collar: 65.3%
- Blue Collar: 19.8%
- Services: 14.9%
- Bachelor's Degree: 25%
- Graduate Education: 8.2%
- Civilian Veterans: 84,305
| Year | Election | Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | general | Suzanne Kosmas (D) | 211,284 | 57.2% |
| Tom Feeney (R) | 151,863 | 41.1% | ||
| Gaurav Bhola (X) | 6,223 | 1.7% | ||
| 2006 | general | Tom Feeney (R) | 123,795 | 57.9% |
| Clint Curtis (D) | 89,863 | 42.1% | ||
| 2004 | general | Tom Feeney (R) | unopposed | |
| 2002 | general | Tom Feeney (R) | 135,576 | 61.8% |
| Harry Jacobs (D) | 83,667 | 38.2% | ||
| Year | Democrat | Republican | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | John Kerry: 44% | George W. Bush: 56% | |
| 2000 | Al Gore: 46% | George W. Bush: 52% |
Campaign Finance Details for the 2008 Race
| Filers | Through | Total Receipts | Total Disbursements | Total From PACs | Total From Individuals | Ending Cash | Debts Owed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEENEY, TOM (R) | November 24, 2008 | $2,156,407.00 | $1,970,273.00 | $161,606.00 | $920,113.00 | $238,794.00 | $5,179.00 |
| CURTIS, CLINT (D) | November 24, 2008 | $75,964.00 | $97,130.00 | $65,633.00 | $190.00 | ||
| MICHAUD, ANDY (D) | June 7, 2007 | $372.00 | |||||
| DAVIS, JASON PAUL (R) | September 30, 2008 | $12,369.00 | $13,036.00 | $1,047.00 | $48.00 | $10,000.00 | |
| BHOLA, GAURAV ''GARV'' (D) | October 15, 2008 | $6,725.00 | $390.00 | $6,725.00 | $22.00 | ||
| KOSMAS, SUZANNE (D) | November 24, 2008 | $2,069,032.00 | $2,036,532.00 | $126,378.00 | $1,497,909.00 | $32,502.00 | $47,823.00 |
