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Brooksville Democrat Exits State House Race

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By TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: September 17, 2008

  Joe Puglia

BROOKSVILLE - Joe Puglia, the Brooksville Democrat who sought to wrest the District 44 House seat from Republican Rob Schenck, left the race today citing the need to give full attention his family.

Puglia's wife Marianne was recently diagnosed with "a serious illness," the 41-year-old owner of a Brooksville waste hauling company said in a statement.

"The need for me, as well as our three children, to be emotionally and logistically available for Marianne supersedes every priority in our lives," Puglia said in the statement. "Because of the effort necessary to provide that care I simply cannot devote enough time to pursuing this elective office while also making a living."

Schenck won't win by default, though. Sarah Roman, a 22-year-old Green Party candidate, is still in the race.

But Roman, a political newcomer in a minor party who has yet to do any significant campaigning, is a long shot at best against a Republican incumbent in a district with a Republican majority. District 44 is comprised of most of Hernando and portions of Sumter and Pasco counties.

"I still believe very much in my message to create jobs, enhance education and stop sidestepping the issues of homeowners insurance and meaningful property tax reform," Puglia's statement reads. "God willing, I will continue to work toward those goals and to make Florida a place where hard-working people can earn a living, and where their families will be healthy and safe."

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