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Hillsborough At-Large School Board Race Undecided

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By MARILYN BROWN

mbrown@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

Updated: 11/05/2008 01:33 am

TAMPA - With results trickling in, the winner of Hillsborough's District 7 at-large school board seat was too close to call early this morning.

Incumbent Carol Kurdell led challenger Stephen Gorham in the nonpartisan race.

Kurdell, 63, is the board's longest-serving member at 16 years. As vice chairwoman, she is in line to become board charwoman Nov. 18

Until this campaign, Kurdell had been one of the quietest board members and a loyal supporter of Superintendent MaryEllen Elia.

Gorham, 30, is director and networks telecommunications/chief security officer for Hillsborough Community College. His wife is a math teacher at Mann Middle School in Brandon. The couple have one child in kindergarten, an infant and are expecting another baby. He ran unsuccessfully for the Florida Senate in 2006.

Gorham is also in the Florida Army National Guard and says he can handle it all with his time management skills.

Kurdell's latest campaign finance report shows she raised $50,510. Gorham's latest report shows he raised $29,133.

The four-year term pays $40,887 plus benefits.

Reporter Marilyn Brown can be reached at (813) 259-8069

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