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Candidates Bet On Strengths

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By KENNETH KNIGHT

kknight@tampatrib.com

Published: October 19, 2008

TAMPA - Ed Homan is a three-term Republican state representative with name recognition and hefty financial support, but his Democratic opponent for state House District 60 says he is up for the challenge.

Homan, a Temple Terrace physician, and Edward "E.J." Ford, who recently completed his doctoral dissertation in anthropology at the University of South Florida, will square off in the general election to represent Temple Terrace, New Tampa, Lutz, Thonotosassa and Mango.

Homan, who serves on four legislative committees and chairs the House Audit and Performance Committee, is banking on voters to send him back to Tallahassee based on experience.

Homan, 65, said that when he campaigns on weekends, he often is asked what he would do to solve the country's economic troubles.

"I tell them to call their congressman," he said. "At the state level, our concern is how to get the state budget balanced."

Homan said campaigning door to door lets him connect with voters and meet old acquaintances.

He had raised more than $123,000 as of Sept. 26 from a mix of Bay area residents and Central Florida doctors, according to campaign finance reports.

Ford, a political newcomer whose campaign had collected $5,853 by late September, said he is "cautiously optimistic" that voters are ready for a change.

"I'm up against a lot of money and name recognition," Ford said, "but I ask voters, 'Are you better off than you were six years ago when Ed Homan took office?'"

Ford, 40, said based on what voters have told him, many are not.

In a district fairly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, Ford said he is targeting nonparty affiliated voters to make the difference.

Both candidates agree the economy, homeowners insurance and property taxes are major issues. They have also shared concerns about higher education funding and finding money to retain highly coveted professors at state universities.
ED HOMAN
AGE: 65

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, Louisiana State University; doctor of medicine, Louisiana State University Medical School.

FAMILY: Married, three sons

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Orthopedic surgeon

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: State representative, District 60, elected 2002; re-elected 2004 and 2006.

WEB SITE: www.edhoman .com

EDWARD 'E.J.' FORD

AGE: 40

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in anthropology, University of South Florida; master's degree in anthropology, USF; doctoral degree in anthropology, 2008, USF.

FAMILY: Married, two stepsons and a daughter

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Instructor at the University of Tampa

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

WEB SITE: www.ejford.org

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