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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 11, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: Early voting begins today - and ends Aug. 23 - for the Aug. 26 primary. As a service to voters, we will publish this highlights box on days that polls are open. To read the complete analyses, check out the Tribune's opinion page on tbo.com.

U.S. HOUSE

5th District: Ginny Brown-Waite (R)

Has worked to improve health care and can be counted on to vote her conscience.

John Russell (D)

Has deep knowledge of health care and supports national catastrophe fund to reduce homeowner's insurance premiums.

9th District: John Dicks (D)

Former Plant City mayor understands hometown residents' concerns and has a track record for solving problems.

FLORIDA SENATE

District 11: Fred Taylor (D)

A thoughtful Vietnam veteran concerned about property taxes, insurance and education.

FLORIDA HOUSE

District 67: Ron Reagan (R)

Veteran lawmaker helped reform My Safe Florida Home program for hardening houses against hurricanes.

District 59: Betty Reed (D)

Capable lawmaker who listens to constituents.

District 55: Charles McKenzie (D)

Has lived in all areas of the district and will continue his long history of fighting for the underprivileged.

Hillsborough County Appraiser

Rob Turner (R)

Incumbent runs a smart, efficient office.

PASCO COUNTY SHERIFF

Robert Sullivan (R)

Veteran lawman with management experience could make needed change.

Kim Bogart (D)

Long-time former police captain with diverse experience.

PASCO COUNTY CLERK

Paula O'Neil (R)

Has experience and technical expertise for task.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION

District 2: Ken Hagan (R)

Stepping up to solve transportation problems.

District 6: Brian Blair (R )

Focused on cutting waste and duplication.

District 6: Kevin Beckner (D)

Smart on planning and containing costs.

PASCO COUNTY COMMISSION

District 1 Ted Schrader (R)

Incumbent has worked to protect rural areas and reduce taxes.

District 3: Ann Hildebrand (R)

Longtime commissioner provides vital leadership, especially on water.

District 3: Nicholas Planck (D)

Retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran ready for more public service.

District 5: Jack Mariano (R)

Incumbent does homework, focused on diversifying economy.

NONPARTISAN RACES

CIRCUIT JUDGE

Group 7: Catherine M. Catlin

Smart, reasoned lawyer with strong organizational skills.

Group 1: Caroline Tesche

Experienced attorney who has excelled at all levels.

Group 2: Samantha Ward

Known for hard work and legal skills.

Group 21: Lisa Campbell

Bright, personable and fair-minded, impressive 20-year-career.

Pasco-Pinellas Circuit

Group 6: Bruce Howie

Has practiced criminal and civil law for 30 years.

Group 8: Robert Angus Williams

Strong work ethic, necessary legal experience.

Group 30: Martha Cook

Highly regarded judge knows the law, manages caseload effectively.

SCHOOL BOARD Hillsborough

District 1: Susan Valdes

Brought attention to needs of Hispanics.

District 7: Stephan Gorham

Energetic, will ask administration tough questions.

Pasco

District 2: Joanne Hurley

High-energy, dedicated, understands the issues.

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