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Tribune's Picks In General Election

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: Early voting runs through Nov. 1 for the Nov. 4 general election. As a service to voters, we will publish this highlights box periodically until Election Day. To read the complete analyses, check out the Tribune's opinion page on tbo.com.

We make these recommendations after researching and interviewing candidates. The News Department has no input into decisions made on the editorial and opinion pages.

U.S. PRESIDENT

John McCain ( R)

Experienced, vigilant leader who can appeal to all sides.

U.S. HOUSE

5th District: Ginny Brown-Waite (R)

Has worked to improve health care for veterans and can be counted on to vote her conscience.

9th District: Gus Bilirakis 9 (R)

Diligent worker who has done good work for veterans.

11th District: Kathy Castor (D)

She's proved a smart, independent leader who stays in touch with constituents.

12th District: Adam Putnam (R)

A rising star in the Republican Party, and thoughtful advocate for conservative policies.

FLORIDA SENATE

District 11: Mike Fasano (R)

Bay area's most influential lawmaker, with impressive 14-year record.

FLORIDA HOUSE

District 46: John Legg ( R)

Has done a solid job on education and insurance.

District 48: Carl "Z" Zimmermann (D)

Veteran teacher would make big impact on education.

District 56: Rachel Burgin (R)

Understands legislative process.

District 57: Yvonne Capin (D)

Practical ideas based on business experience, not ideology.

District 60: Ed Homan (R)

A physician who is expert on health but independent-minded.

District 67: Ron Reagan (R)

Veteran lawmaker will move into key leadership position.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Phyllis Busanksy (D)

The experienced, detail-oriented manager this office badly needs.

PASCO COUNTY SUPERVISOR

OF ELECTIONS

Brian E. Corley (R)

Crist appointee has shown he can do the job.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

APPRAISER

Rob Turner (R)

Incumbent runs a smart, efficient office.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

TAX COLLECTOR

Doug Belden (R)

Has dramatically improved customer service.

PASCO COUNTY SHERIFF

Bob White (R)

Two-term incumbent worthy of a third.

PASCO COUNTY CLERK

Paula O'Neil (R)

Has experience and technical expertise for task.

PASCO COUNTY

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

Heather Fiorentino (R)

Has much-needed experience to keep district on course.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

COMMISSION

District 2: Ken Hagan (R)

Provided leadership on transportation.

District 4: Al Higginbotham (R)

Diligent, listens to all sides.

District 6: Kevin Beckner (D)

Independent, enterprising, won't be swayed by special interests.

PASCO COUNTY COMMISSION

District 3: Ann Hildebrand (R)

Longtime commissioner provides vital leadership, especially on water.

District 5: Jack Mariano (R)

Incumbent does homework, focused on diversifying economy.

NONPARTISAN RACES

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

(MERIT RETENTION)

Justice Charles Wells: Yes

2ND DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS

(MERIT RETENTION)

Chris Altenbernd: Yes

Carolyn Fulmer: Yes

Morris Silberman: Yes

James Whatley: Yes

CIRCUIT JUDGE PASCO-PINELLAS CIRCUIT

Group 8: Robert Angus Williams

Civil lawyer and former prosecutor has strong work ethic.

SCHOOL BOARD HILLSBOROUGH

District 7: Stephan Gorham

Does his homework, will ask administration tough questions.

TEMPLE TERRACE

City Council: Ron Govin

Steady leadership on difficult downtown redevelopment.

City Council: Dave Penoyer

Would bring creative ideas and new energy to city council.

SOIL AND WATER

CONSERVATION

District 2: Richard Van Epps

Experienced engineer has done the job before.

District 4: Betty Jo Tompkins

Longtime protector of Hillsborough agriculture knows the challenges.

PROPOSED FLORIDA

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Amendment 1 (eliminates Jim Crow-era law): Yes

Amendment 2 (marriage protection act): No

Amendment 3 (no tax increases for hurricane improvements): Yes

Amendment 4 (tax break for conserving wilderness): Yes

Amendment 6 (limits tax increases for working waterfront lands): Yes

Amendment 8 (allows sales tax referendum to fund community colleges): No

HILLSBOROUGH INITIATIVES

Continue financing Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program to preserve valuable lands: Yes.

Providing a county mayor with veto power over commission should citizens approve a county mayor position: Yes.

TAMPA INITIATIVE

Allow City Council to hire own attorney: No.

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