KINGSTON, N.Y. (AP) — Former "Law and Order" actress Diane Neal is seeking a new role as representative of a sprawling congressional district in upstate New York, saying her long recuperation from a devastating car accident made her rethink her direction in life. The 42-year-old Neal, who portrayed Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on "Law and Order: SVU," said Wednesday she's launching her active campaign for the 19th Congressional District. She moved there several years ago after a back injury put her acting career on hold, and announced her independent candidacy in February.