TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sign Here To Foster GOP Unity

ADVERTISEMENT

By JULIA FERRANTE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

Pasco GOP Chairman Bill Bunting will ask candidates in the upcoming Republican primary to sign a written pledge to support the winners, whoever they may be.

The chairman of the Pasco County Republican Executive Committee said this week that too many Republicans are vying for the same seats in key county elections. He wants to ensure the posts stay Republican.

"I want unity in this party," Bunting said. "We are just overwhelmed in this primary. I want them to step up to the plate and be Republicans. I want them to put it in writing. I don't want them to get wishy-washy. If an incumbent loses, I want them to support another Republican."

Pasco has never had so many Republican primaries, Bunting said. Contests for clerk of the court and the District 1, 3 and 5 county commission seats each have drawn three Republican candidates, including incumbents. Sheriff Bob White is challenged by fellow Republican Robert Sullivan, and District 1 Commissioner Ted Schrader is competing with two fellow party members to keep his position.

Sullivan, who had not yet been approached by Bunting, said the request is consistent with the chairman's message that Republicans should stand by Republicans. The retired sheriff's lieutenant, who has launched a contentious campaign against White, was, however, hesitant to make a written pledge to support his opponent if he loses.

"Wow. That would take considerable thought on my part," Sullivan said. "Asking everyone to sign a petition and put it in writing, I'm not prepared to do that. I wish I could say, 'Absolutely, I'm party line all the way. If it's not me, it's him.' But I just can't do that right now. I've got some pretty strong issues, and they all involve public safety."

District 1 candidate John Nicolette said he would be willing to sign, although in his race, the issue may be moot because there are no Democratic candidates. If it stays that way, the primary will decide the race. Nicolette said he would always support a Republican over a Democrat.

"Without a doubt, I would support someone with the same beliefs," Nicolette said. "I'm a diehard, without-a-doubt Republican."

Schrader said he could see the logic behind Bunting's request as an incumbent facing two Republican challengers.

"I told people before I thought I would have opposition. I just never thought it would be within my own party," Schrader said.

Gina King, also running against Schrader, said she would support a fellow Republican, but she would not put it in writing.

"That's what somebody with some common decency would do, but as for asking someone to sign a paper, that's absurd," King said. "I'm not going to sign any kind of paper."

Pact Would Promote 'Cohesiveness'

Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, said it is common to ask a losing candidate to throw support behind another Republican or Democrat to promote "cohesiveness." It happens all the time in presidential elections.

Members of Republican and Democratic executive committees often must promise not to support candidates outside their party.

To ask for a formal pledge, however, is somewhat unusual, MacManus said, especially in a state like Florida, where political party committees are not as strong as in other states with fewer transplanted residents.

"When you see that ... it is usually when the party is a lot more involved in endorsements," MacManus said. "Usually, you see that where the parties are more organized. In Pasco, the organization is deeper than in some places."

Some Candidates Are Uncertain

Ann Hildebrand, seeking re-election for the District 3 county commission seat, was hesitant about making a written commitment.

"I really can't answer that right now," Hildebrand said when told of Bunting's request.

Hildebrand, who supported Mitt Romney in the presidential race before he dropped out, said she now supports presumed nominee John McCain. Following suit in a local race may be more difficult, especially for an incumbent in office more than 20 years, she said.

"I'm a Republican, and I support the ideology, but you have to look at who's going to be the best person for the position," Hildebrand said. "I've run in a Republican primary with no general election, when no one from the Republican Party called to congratulate me."

Wil Nickerson, a Republican running against Hildebrand, said he probably would sign the pledge.

"I don't usually make a snap decision," Nickerson said. "I believe we should back the winner. That's kind of what it's all about. "
Bunting said he wants local unity so the party is stronger on a national level.

"We've never had so many primaries on a local level ever in Pasco County," he said. "If we have any differences, I want them worked out now. I certainly want to have local Republicans in office, and I certainly want McCain in office."

Michael Cox, a county commissioner and former Pasco Democratic Party chairman, called Bunting's initiative "parochial."

"I think you've got to look at who is the best person for the job, and sometimes those people are from different parties," Cox said. "I'm not going to let the party line influence my vote - ever - and I'm not going to let party politics get in the way of what's good for Pasco County government. It's too bad some people have such a parochial view."

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT