Originally posted Fri, 2009-10-09 11:45.
Courtesy photo. State Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, whose district includes Souheast Volusia, announced Oct. 9 she has changed her mind about running for the congressional seat held by Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- State Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, announced earlier today that she has abandoned her run to try and unseat Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, and instead will focus on getting re-elected to her own seat next year.
The 63-year-old former Port Orange mayor said the difference maker now is that she has an opportunity for a leadership post in Tallahassee as opposed to running in a crowded field of at least eight Central Florida Republicans hoping for a chance to get their party's nod and go up against the first-term incumbent.
Hukill, first elected in 2004, said she based her decision on where she could "have more impact and more impact now."
If elected in the 2010 elections, Hukill would become a lame-duck representative because of term limits.
Hukill's 28th state district includes Port Orange and all of Southeast Volusia, while Kosmas' 24th congressional district includes Southeast Volusia, Port Orange and parts of Orange, Brevard and Seminole counties.
Hukill's change of heart was endorsed by state Republican leaders, including a pledge by Winter Park State Rep. Dean Cannon, who is expected to become the speaker of the house, describing Hukill as a "key member of my leadership team."
Hukill's return has implications for others eyeing the statehouse seat. Port Orange Republican Theresa Valdes opened an account for the seat and County Councilwoman Joie Alexander of Samsula, who is being term-limited from her seat had flirted with the idea of making a run after Hukill announced she would run for Congress.
Kosmas crushed incumbent Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, in last November's elections.