Tribune's picks in primary

Early voting starts Monday and runs through Aug. 21 for the Aug. 24 primary. We will publish this highlights box periodically. For complete endorsements, see the Tribune's opinion page on tbo.com.

The Editorial Board makes endorsements after researching and interviewing candidates.

U.S. SENATE

REPUBLICAN Marco Rubio

Articulate proponent of small government.

DEMOCRAT Kendrick Meek

Experience on state and federal level.

U.S. HOUSE

REPUBLICAN 5th District: Richard B. Nugent

Hernando sheriff has conservative credentials.

11th District: Thomas Castellano

Knows district and needs of small businesses.

12th District: Dennis Ross

Conservative who won't abandon principles.

DEMOCRAT 9th District: Phil Hindahl

Experienced lawyer with moderate agenda.

11th District: Kathy Castor

Has proved effective in aiding local economy.

12th District: Lori Edwards

Independent, smart and knows district well.

GOVERNOR

REPUBLICAN Bill McCollum

Informed public servant of proven integrity.

DEMOCRAT Alex Sink

Businesswoman who knows how to manage money and people.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

REPUBLICAN Pam Bondi

Veteran Hillsborough prosecutor knows legal system.

DEMOCRAT Dan Gelber

Former federal prosecutor and state lawmaker has impressive command of state issues.

FLORIDA SENATE

REPUBLICAN District 12: Kevin Ambler

A fiscal conservative with creative ideas.

FLORIDA HOUSE

REPUBLICAN District 47: James Grant

Promising and principled young lawyer.

District 56: Marc Johnson

Military veteran and dentist with practical experience.

District 57: Dan Molloy

Experienced lawyer understands business.

District 60: Shawn Harrison

Knows district and has conservative track record.

District 61: Will Weatherford

Energetic lawmaker moving into leadership.

District 67: Greg Steube

Military veteran supports agriculture and stronger economy.

DEMOCRAT District 55: Darryl Ervin Rouson

Effective representative and tough on crime.

District 60: Russ Patterson

Air Force veteran supports transit investment.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION

REPUBLICAN District 1: Trey Rustmann

Military veteran with conservative instincts and interest in transportation.

District 2 Victor Crist

Longtime lawmaker with record of accomplishment.

District 7: Mark Sharpe

Courageous leader focused on county's long-term development.

DEMOCRAT District 3: Lesley "Les" Miller

Experienced lawmaker with diplomatic skills.

PASCO COUNTY COMMISSION

REPUBLICAN

District 2: Pat Mulieri

Longtime incumbent excited about economic opportunities.

NONPARTISAN RACES

CIRCUIT JUDGE, HILLSBOROUGH Group 4: Liz Rice

Makes sure justice in her courtroom is dispensed fairly.

COUNTY JUDGE, HILLSBOROUGH Group 10: Dick Greco, Jr.

Experienced and reliable.

SCHOOL BOARD HILLSBOROUGH District 2: Candy Olson

Still energetic after four terms on board.

District 4: Richard William Bartels

Former public school principal is a leader.

District 6: April Griffin

Understands the challenges of students and parents.