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NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- First-term Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas conceded two hours after the polls closed in Tuesday's general elections with the huge Republican-voter wave of discontent in Washington that glided Sandy Adams of Orange County to an easy victory.
With all 241 voting precincts reporting in the 24th congressional district that comprises parts of Volusia, Orange, Seminole and Brevard counties, Adams, a former sheriff's deputy and state legislator, received nearly 60 percent of the votes, 145,801 to 98,491.
Despite the crushing defeat, Kosmas was upbeat at an otherwise somber Democratic headquarters on Canal Street where she thanked supporters, and with class, issued a statement praising Adams for the big win.
"First I would like to thank all my supporters and all who have worked so hard in this election. I truly appreciate all that you have done to support our fight for the priorities of Central Florida.
"Earlier this evening, I called Sandy Adams to congratulate her on a hard fought victory. America is the greatest country in the world because we have the greatest democracy in the world, and I have the utmost respect for our political process.
"I have always believed in the importance of public service and I have worked to give back to my community my entire adult life. I have viewed my job as an extension of that service, and I am honored that the people of the 24th District provided me the opportunity to serve them in Congress.
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Photos for NSBNEWS.net by Chris Atwell
Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas thanks supporters on election night at Democratic Party headquarters on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. Standing directly behind her, in the dark blue shirt and black hair, is her son, Michael Kosmas.
"Though I am disappointed by today’s outcome, I truly believe that over the past two years we have taken significant steps that will ensure a brighter future for our communities, our state, and our nation. I entered office facing an unprecedented economic crisis, and I am confident that our actions prevented us from falling into an even deeper hole.
"But I also understand that the progress has not been enough, and today’s election is a clear sign that Central Floridians expect more to be done to improve our economy. I hope that the next Congress will work with the President to build on the steps we have taken towards economic recovery.
"No matter what, I will continue to give back to my community as a private citizen. These are difficult times, and despite our political differences, the only way we will overcome these challenges is to work together to improve the quality of life for our communities.
"I will always be grateful that the people of Central Florida gave me the opportunity to represent them, and I can only hope that at the end of the day I was able to make some positive difference in their lives."
Adams, who made only one campaign stop in New Smyrna Beach last month with U.S. Senator-elect Marco Rubio, told the Orlando Sentinel during her victory celebration in Orlando that she would cut taxes and reduce the size of government, but as the metro newspaper pointed out, she was not specific on where those budget cuts would occur.
"Jobs and the economy will be the top priority," Adams told the Sentinel.