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Pinellas Candidates Qualify For Fall Ballot

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By CARLOS MONCADA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 20, 2008

CLEARWATER -- Pinellas County Clerk of Court Ken Burke, Tax Collector Diane Nelson and County Commissioner Ken Welch faced no challengers as today's deadline passed at noon in the weeklong candidate qualifying period.

But three other county commission seats and the offices of the sheriff, property appraiser and supervisor of elections all will have contested races this fall.

In two at-large commission races, District 1 incumbent Ronnie Duncan and District 3 incumbent Bob Stewart, both Republicans, have decided not to run again, leaving their seats wide open.

Qualifying for the District 1 race are Republican and former Safety Harbor City Commissioner Neil Brickfield and school board member Jane Gallucci, also a Republican. Democrat Paul Matton, a Clearwater businessman, also is running.

The District 3 seat has attracted school board member Nancy Bostock, a Republican, and two Democrats: former St. Petersburg City Council member Rene Flowers and environmental activist Darden Rice.

Incumbent District 5 Commissioner Karen Seel, a Republican, has drawn two opponents: Democrat and former Pinellas County employee Norm Roche and Jake Mullens, who has no party affiliation.

Welch, the incumbent Democratic commissioner for District 7, won another four-year term when announced Republican challenger Sharon Russ, a St. Petersburg community activist, did not qualify to run against him.

Among constitutional officers, Republican Sheriff Jim Coats faces a challenge from Democrat Randall M. Jones, a 16-year sheriff's deputy. Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark, a Republican, faces Democrat Jack Killingsworth, an electrical engineer.

The property appraiser's seat is open because longtime Republican incumbent Jim Smith has decided not to seek re-election. Competing for the job are Smith's chief deputy Pam Dubov, a Republican; Republican Frank Gregoire, a private appraiser; and Democrat Ben Friedlander, a Realtor.

The primary election is Aug. 26. The general election is Nov. 4.

Reporter Carlos Moncada can be reached at (727) 451-2333 or cmoncada@tampatrib.com.

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