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Incumbents Win Florida Legislative Seats

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By TOM BRENNAN

tbrennan@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

Updated: 11/05/2008 01:46 am

TAMPA - Voters weren't that eager for change in the state Legislature.

Incumbents dominated the day based on early, unofficial returns.

But one new face is likely to appear in the local delegation. Republican Rachel Burgin was on her way to replacing her former boss for the state House District 56 post.

In her first political campaign, Burgin lead Democratic challenger Lewis LaRicchia for the seat surprisingly abandoned by Anthony "Trey" Traviesa in August for family and financial reasons.

The trend to stay with incumbents allowed the Republican Party to keep its stronghold in the Legislature.

It appeared Republicans would keep their 26 state Senate seats and Democrats would retain their 14.

In the state House, Democrats made some gains, picking up two seats. Those unofficial totals would raise their total to 45 and drop the Republican majority to 75.

Burgin, 26, Traviesa's legislative assistant, was leading with about 60 percent of the vote in the district that includes Davis Islands, Brandon, Riverview and the FishHawk Ranch community in Lithia.

Republican Kevin Ambler cruised to his fourth term in District 47, which covers most of northwestern Hillsborough County. Ron Reagan, R-Sarasota, also won a fourth term in District 67, leading Democratic challenger Richard Jackson.

Earning a third term was Republican John Legg in District 46. Legg defeated political neophyte Ron Rice, a Clearwater Democrat, and John Ubele, a white separatist who unsuccessfully ran in 2006 for the Pasco County Mosquito Control Board.

In District 44, Republican Robert Schenk earned his second term by defeating Spring Hill lawyer Jason Melton, a Democrat whose name wasn't on the ballot, and Green Party candidate Sarah Roman.

Faye Culp, 68, appeared to secure a fourth term in District 57, leading first-time Democratic candidate Yvonne Yolie Capin. The district includes South Tampa, Town 'N Country and portions of Westchase.

In state Senate District 11, Republican incumbent s Mike Fasano, 50, retained the seat he has held since 2002 by defeating Democrat Fred Taylor, 60.

In District 17, Republican state Sen. J.D. Alexander easily defeated Democrat Scott K. Thompson for a final four-year term representing the district that includes parts of Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, St. Lucie, Glades and Okeechobee counties.

In northern Hillsborough, Ed Homan appeared to be winning a fourth term, leading Democratic challenger Edward "E.J." Ford in a contest to represent Temple Terrace, New Tampa, Lutz, Thonotosassa and Mango in House District 60.

Tribune reporters Geoff Fox, B.C. Manion, Steve Girardi, Kathy Steele, Ken Knight, Yvette Hammett, Kevin Wiatrowski and Baird Helgeson contributed to this report.

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