More picks for state House

In our opening round of state House endorsements Thursday, The Tampa Tribune recommended James Grant in District 47, Darryl Rouson in District 55, Rachel Burgin in District 56 and Stacy Frank in District 57. Today we make our recommendations in another four races.

District 58

Democrat Janet Cruz, who was elected in a special election last February, proved a quick study in Tallahassee. She managed to advance legislation in the Republican-dominated House, including a measure toughening penalties for anyone who knowingly helps a career offender avoid law enforcement.

She organized a job fair that she estimates helped about 200 residents find work.

Cruz, a Tampa native, stays connected to constituents in the district that covers neighborhoods in Tampa and northwest Hillsborough County, including West Tampa, Wellswood, Town 'N Country, Seminole Heights and Egypt Lake.

Cruz has ably replaced Michael Scionti, who gave up the seat when President Obama appointed him to be a deputy assistant secretary at the Pentagon last year.

She is being challenged by Joe Redner, a frequent candidate and nude bar owner who is running with no party affiliation.

Cruz has proved an effective and responsible legislator.

For state House District 58, The Tampa Tribune endorses Janet Cruz.

District 60

Voters in District 60 will choose between two solid candidates in Republican Shawn Harrison and Democrat Russ Patterson.

The district stretches from the Pasco County line to Lake Magdalene and east to Temple Terrace and Thonotosassa.

Harrison, 45, is a former Tampa City Council member while Patterson, 58, has never held public office but has been involved in community issues. Patterson, an Air Force Academy graduate who spent 20 years as a navigator in the Air Force, makes good points about the Legislature's leadership being more interested in serving select special interests than the public.

He says after 12 years of Republican rule, Tallahassee needs a fresh perspective.

Harrison does not seem inclined to challenge that leadership, but he is focused on the need to keep taxes low and encourage local business investment. He was a deft budget cutter while on the Tampa City Council.

As an attorney who represents nursing homes, he understands the complex medical issues facing the state.

Patterson is superior on growth and energy issues, and Harrison has the edge on budget and health care. His experience on the city council is a big plus.

Voters cannot go wrong here. In District 60, The Tampa Tribune recommends Shawn Harrison.

District 61

Republican Rep. Will Weatherford, who took office in 2006, is challenged by political newcomer Elena McCullough, a Democrat, in this district, which includes a large part of central and east Pasco and a portion of north Hillsborough. Ironically, the two live in the same Wesley Chapel subdivision, but they are miles apart in political experience.

Weatherford, a 30-year-old rising star in the Legislature and former legislative staffer, is in line to assume the powerful role of House speaker in 2012.

Weatherford, who is engaging and a good listener, pledges to lower taxes at every chance, work to "reinvent" Florida's economy to create more jobs and proposes tax incentives for businesses that hire unemployed workers. He realizes that education is the key to being competitive.

McCullough, who was born in Santo Domingo, came to the United States when she was 16 and became a citizen a few years later. She served in the Coast Guard for 24 years and is very eager to continue making a difference in the lives of others. She promises to be an advocate for efficient, accountable government and work to create jobs and improve public schools.

Without question, the enthusiastic McCullough, 49, would work hard in Tallahassee and at home. But Weatherford's experience in policymaking and strong leadership skills will continue to serve the district well.

The Tampa Tribune recommends re-electing Will Weatherford in House District 61.

District 67

Voters are fortunate to have two strong candidates in House District 67, which includes northeast Sarasota County, much of Manatee and a bit of Hillsborough running to Gibsonton. Greg Steube, a 32-year-old attorney and son of Manatee Sheriff Brad Steube, won the Republican primary. Democrat Z.J. Hafeez, 26, an Apollo Beach resident who was raised in the district, had no opposition in the primary. John Studebaker is running with no party affiliation.

Both Steube and Hafeez are thoughtful and not given to partisan rhetoric. Steube is a Republican who opposes near-shore drilling and emphasizes the need to safeguard resources.

Hafeez, a graduate of Georgetown Law School who has worked for the World Trade Organization, is a Democrat who favors tort reform. The son of a physician, Hafeez has a keen understanding of medical issues, including Medicaid fraud. Steube, who grew up in Bradenton, is well versed in the needs of ranchers and farmers in his district. The military veteran is a champion of free-market solutions but also understands the value of public safeguards. Both candidates are impressive. Hafeez is no liberal, but Steube's more conservative outlook probably better reflects his district. In House District 67, The Tampa Tribune endorses Greg Steube.

Rebuttals

Candidates not endorsed by the Tribune are invited by the editorial board to write rebuttals. Rebuttals should be limited to 200 words. E-mail all replies to tribletters@tampatrib.com or write to Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601-0191.