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Traviesa's Aide Tapped For Race

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By TOM BRENNAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 16, 2008

Updated: 08/16/2008 12:19 am

TAMPA - Hillsborough County Republican Party leaders didn't look far to find a replacement for Anthony "Trey" Traviesa, picking his legislative aide Rachel Burgin as the party's nominee for State House District 56.

"She's a social and fiscal conservative who represents the beliefs of that district," said David Storck, county party chairman. "She is a tenacious campaigner and will work diligently to uphold the ideals of Rep. Traviesa."
Burgin edged out nine other potential replacements, eight of whom interviewed for the position Friday, after Traviesa decided to drop out of the race earlier this week.

"I'm extremely surprised. We had eight very qualified people who I admire and have great respect for," Burgin said. "People need to know I will work hard for the district and will do what I say I will do."

Burgin, 26, was the youngest and least experienced of the potential candidates. Her professional and political experience include working as an aide for Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair and later for Traviesa. She said in an interview she has spent the past three months in Washington, D.C., working for the White House, but she didn't provide specifics of her duties.
Burgin was selected as the nominee by Storck and Carol Carter, Hillsborough's GOP state committeewoman. They made their decision Friday after 25 minutes of deliberation and four hours of interviews.

"The nominee strongly supports and has been an advocate of the principles and values that the residents of District 56 hold dear," Storck said, urging Republicans to unite politically and financially behind Burgin.
Burgin will face Democrat Lewis Laricchia, 59, of Valrico in November. Laricchia could not be reached.
Burgin edged out Mark Proctor, Terry Kemple, Ron Pierce, Sandra Murman, Jamie Wilson, Earl Lennard, Paul Phillips and Brian Dolan, who all were interviewed. Denny Nelson faxed his intention to seek the office but didn't show up for the interviews.

"Every one would be a great candidate for this position," Storck said. "It has been a tough process."
Kemple immediately threw his support behind Burgin.

"She is one of the most promising young people coming up on the political scene," he said.
Burgin said she was short on details of her platform, but would focus on education and tax relief.

"I don't have the exact answers of the types of programs I will put forth," she said.
Burgin said she didn't think her inexperience would be a problem.

"I would be coming to the Legislature with a fresh perspective," she said. "I have an idea what the new generation is looking for in its leaders."
Burgin said she would lean on the advice of those within the Republican Party.

"I'm not going in with the idea I have all the answers," she said.

Traviesa stunned party faithful and political observers when he withdrew from the race Tuesday, saying it was for family and business concerns.

State law left it to the county's Republican executive committee to come up with a replacement.

One of the first steps Burgin will take is finding a home within the district. She has lived with her parents in Dover and said she was waiting until after her time in Washington to find a new residence. The family has lived in the Dover area since 1949.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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