3 Hillsborough Commission Seats On Ballot In November

The presidential race isn't the only upcoming election that will be of interest to Hillsborough County voters. Three county commission seats, two elected by district and one countywide, are up for grabs, including a possible contest between incumbent Brian Blair and Mons Venus owner Joe Redner. Party nominees will be chosen in an Aug. 26 primary. The general election will be Nov. 4. Here's a look at seven candidates who have filed their intent to run and several who said they are seriously thinking of running.

Ken Hagan

Party: Republican

Age: 40

Occupation: County commissioner

Political experience: County commissioner, six years

Money raised: $134,956

Tom Aderhold

Party: Republican

Age: 64

Occupation: Retired human resource and risk management consultant

Political experience: Civic activist

Money raised: $14,030

Al Higginbotham

Party: Republican

Age: 53

Occupation: County commissioner

Political experience: First-term county commissioner

Money raised: $58,593

Wilbur "Pete" Gifford

Party: No party affiliation

Age: 35

Political experience: None

Occupation: Electrical contractor

Money raised: None

Brian Blair

Party: Republican

Age: 51

Political experience: First-term county commissioner

Occupation: County commissioner

Money raised: $123,646

Don Kruse

Party: Republican

Age: 48

Political experience: Ran for county commission in 2006

Occupation: Sales manager for Bill Currie Ford

Money raised: $3,200

Kevin Beckner

Party: Democrat

Age: 37

Political experience: None

Occupation: Financial planner

Money raised: $63,779

Dee Layne

Party: Democrat

Age: 52

Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for county commission in 2002 and 2004

Occupation: Small business owner, community advocate

Money raised: Has not filed

Joe Redner

Party: Democrat

Age: 67

Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for Tampa City Council in 1983, 1999, 2003 and 2007, and for county commission in 2000, 2004 and 2006

Occupation: Business owner, including the Mons Venus, a well-known adult club

Money raised: Has not filed

Janet Dougherty Kovach

Party: Republican

Age: 46

Political experience: Former member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District board

Occupation: Planner and public affairs consultant

Money raised: Has not filed