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Sheriff Candidate Calls For Debates

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By LISA A. DAVIS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 19, 2008

Pasco County sheriff candidate Robert Sullivan has challenged incumbent Bob White to a series of debates between July 19 and Aug. 9, leading up to the Aug. 26 primary election.

In a letter dated Wednesday, Sullivan says he is extending the invitation in "the spirit of good Republican tradition."

He proposes that the debates be held in east, west and central Pasco and be formatted as "town-hall style" so attendees can pose questions directly to both candidates.

"As you have probably deduced at this point we have a few differing viewpoints on philosophical and operational issues," Sullivan wrote.

"I hope you agree that in the best interest of the citizens of Pasco County we need to come together and speak directly to some of these vitally important matters."

The retired sheriff's lieutenant said people have volunteered possible venues, but he would be willing to collaborate with White on the debate locations.

White could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

"If I have not heard from you or your campaign by July 1, we will assume that you are refusing this invitation," Sullivan wrote.

Sullivan and White are the only Republican candidates in the race for Pasco's top cop.

Sullivan worked for the agency for 26 years, lastly as the vice narcotics unit's commander.

He retired in November, in part to run for his former boss's job.

White is a former Brooksville police officer, Sumter County sheriff's deputy, Florida Highway Patrol trooper and agent for the state's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.

Running on the Democratic ticket is Kim Bogart, a former sheriff's captain who was fired when White came into office in January 2001.

Bogart is executive director of the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.

Jeff Deremer, who has lived in Pasco most of his life and is a 15-year officer with the Florida Department of Corrections' Bureau of Probation and Parole, is also running as a Democrat.

Bobby Kinzy, a retired TECO employee and Vietnam veteran, is running with no party affiliation.

All five candidates have collected enough petition signatures to get them on the primary ballot. The qualifying period ends at noon Friday.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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