Democrat jumps into gap in House district

After another party member dropped out, the incumbent Republican and a Libertarian were the only candidates.

By JENNIFER GOLDBLATT, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 4, 2002

NEW PORT RICHEY -- It appears that there will be a Democratic contender in the race for House District 46.

Craig McCart has filed all of the necessary paperwork to qualify to run for the seat, officials from the Secretary of State's Office said Tuesday.

McCart, 52, executive director of the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation of Florida, will run against two-term incumbent Heather Fiorentino, a Republican, and Libertarian Jon Kueny.

Real estate broker Mike Webb originally was going to run as the Democratic candidate in the race. But he withdrew due to his wife's illness.

McCart reserved a place for himself on the ballot by submitting a petition with 163 signatures to Pasco's Supervisor of Elections Office Aug. 26.

The official qualifying period begins at 8 a.m. Thursday and ends at noon Friday. During that time, the state officially records the paperwork, including the petitions and the candidate's disclosure of financial interests. Also during that time, another candidate still could qualify for the House District 46 race by paying a $1,759.68 fee.

If another Democratic candidate qualifies, there will be a special primary Sept. 24. The general election is Nov. 5.

-- Jennifer Goldblatt covers business in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6229, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6229. Her e-mail address is goldblatt@sptimes.com.

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