ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Vice President Joe Biden stumped in Florida for two congressional members, telling audiences the economic stimulus the two voted for helped Florida teachers
Speaking at a fundraiser Wednesday for Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, a Democrat from New Smyrna Beach, Biden raised an estimated $70,000 for the incumbent.
Fundraising for Rep. Alan Grayson, Biden said the Democrat from Orlando fought against defense contractors "stealing from the United States government and doing a shoddy job protecting our sons and daughters."
"We owe you one buddy," Biden told attendees at the $1,000-a-place event.
He told audiences at both events that Kosmas and Grayson's support of the economic stimulus package helped keep 26,000 teachers employed in Florida. Without the stimulus funds, Florida would have had to close schools or raise taxes, the vice president said.
Biden told Grayson supporters that the country is on the cusp of making advances in health, energy and education policies.
"We have a chance to bend history, just a little bit," Biden said, adding, "We do think we're headed in the right direction."
Republicans, Biden said, aren't offering anything "other than no."
