Not long after she bucked her leaders and voted against the health care bill, freshman Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (Fla.) earned a Democratic primary challenger.

But to say former Winter Springs Mayor Paul Partyka is trying to carve liberal votes away from Kosmas might be a bit of a stretch.

In his announcement last week, Partyka discussed the importance of “a practical health insurance program for all,” but he also emphasized tort reform, an issue that isn’t exactly dear to the hearts of liberal voters. Partyka, the managing partner at a commercial real estate firm, made his candidacy announcement at a local chamber of commerce meeting.

But regardless of where Partyka hopes to find traction, it’s an encouraging development for the GOP in east-central Florida’s 24th district.

It’s a true swing seat: The same voters who sent Kosmas to Capitol Hill narrowly favored Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in last year’s presidential contest.

Even if Partyka doesn’t spur Kosmas to adjust her generally moderate voting record, any challenge will force her to spend money in different ways than the campaign might otherwise prefer.

Partyka said Friday that he could put significant personal resources into his race but would prefer to run a more traditional grass-roots campaign.

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