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Races and issues in the Tampa Bay region
March 13, 2006 Ybor City's flavors for every taste By Janet Zink Holland & Knight retracts promotion By Times Staff An attorney who was recently reprimanded for sexual harassment agreed to step aside as chief operating partner of the firm less.
November 21, 2004 Luck of the draw decides election race By BILL COATS Two candidates for a governing board draw cards to decide the winner of a tie. November 6, 2004 Persistent tie vote may be decided by coin toss By BILL COATS LUTZ - Voters in the 800-home Cheval West development needed to elect two members to their governing board this week. November 5, 2004 Nearly 500 provisional ballots don't make cut By JEFF TESTERMAN Most of the rejected ballots were cast by people who had not registered to vote, officials say. November 4, 2004 Snow's showing leads Libertarians By JOSH ZIMMER No Libertarian candidate did better in the state than Kim Snow of Carrollwood, who received an unheard of 31 percent of the vote against a Republican incumbent. November 4, 2004 Coattails, late attacks hurt Buckhorn's chances at polls By BILL VARIAN Well-known Democrat Bob Buckhorn had lots of name recognition - but could that have pushed voters away? November 3, 2004 Did elections supervisor try to cut in line at poll? By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER TAMPA - A day after his aborted, last-minute attempt to vote early at the College Hill Library, where hundreds waited as long as six hours to cast early ballots, Hillsborough elections supervisor Buddy Johnson waited his turn in line at his home precinct in Plant City on Election Day. November 3, 2004 District 56: Traviesa with big lead over write-in rival By Times Staff Writer TAMPA - Political newcomer Anthony "Trey" Traviesa appeared headed for an easy victory over write-in candidate Cornelius "Neil" Cosentino for the State House District 56 seat. November 3, 2004 Friends of redevelopment project swept into office By BABITA PERSAUD and JOSH ZIMMER The new mayor and three council members all support a $150-million project near the Hillsborough River. November 3, 2004 Gee close to being sheriff, officially By Times Staff Writer TAMPA - Supporters have been calling David Gee "sheriff" for weeks. Tuesday night he was well on his way to making it official as early tallies came in. Gee, a Hillsborough Sheriff's Office veteran who has been second in charge behind retiring Sheriff Cal Henderson, had 98 percent of the vote, with just 2 percent for write-in candidate William Godwin. The Republican also defeated retired FBI agent Lane Bonner in the Aug. 31 Republican primary. But Gee has been unable to officially declare victory until he beats Godwin, a 50-year-old tree surgeon from southern Hillsborough with a history of arrests going back nearly 30 years. November 3, 2004 Incumbent Holt holding steady lead in early tallies By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD TAMPA - Hillsborough Public Defender Julianne Holt appeared headed to a fourth term in office Tuesday, leading challenger William Knight with a slim but steady margin. November 3, 2004 Johnson keeps elections post By GRAHAM BRINK Despite problems with the August primary, he beats challenger Robert MacKenna. November 3, 2004 New boss for county's top lawyer By Times Staff Writer The county attorney now will report to the elected commissioners. November 3, 2004 Rice grabs lead against opponent Gill By GRAHAM BRINK TAMPA - With about a third of the precincts reporting, Liz Rice was leading in the race to become Hillsborough's newest county court judge. November 3, 2004 Voters see long lines, small bugs, no chaos By JEFF TESTERMAN and BRADY DENNIS Expecting the worst, Hillsborough residents and officials encounter a mostly orderly process, devoid of 2000's issues. November 3, 2004 Republicans lead all four County Commission races By BILL COATS Republicans Brian Blair and Mark Sharpe return a Republican majority to the commission for the second time since 2002. October 30, 2004 Bobbles bedevil elections supervisor By JEFF TESTERMAN A series of problems, not always of his own making, have been a baptism of fire for Buddy Johnson and fueled an election foe's criticism. October 29, 2004 Groups offer child care as a lure to polls By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN They are targeting single women with children in hopes of mobilizing the potential voting bloc. October 28, 2004 Absentee ballot plan criticized By JOSH ZIMMER TAMPA - The primary race ended eight weeks ago, but Republican state House candidate Bill Bunkley is still questioning his razor thin loss to District 47 incumbent Kevin Ambler. October 28, 2004 Gridlock settles in at early voting sites By JEFF TESTERMAN nd JEFF SOLOCHEK High turnout, crowded ballots and computer glitches bring early voting to a crawl in Hillsborough. October 25, 2004 Partisan era may come to an end By BILL VARIAN Candidates for the County Commission pledge cooperation, and a five-person supermajority is a possible outcome. October 23, 2004 Lost votes should oust official, opponent says By JEFF TESTERMAN Rob MacKenna says Buddy Johnson misled officials and should resign from his post. October 23, 2004 Students complain of false party swap By DAVID KARP Scores of college students say they were tricked into changing their registration to the Republican Party when signing petitions. October 16, 2004 Ballot instructions confuse voters By JEFF TESTERMAN Absentee ballots came with two sets of instructions about how to mark a vote. But they contradicted one another on which writing tool to use. October 12, 2004 Election office racing clock By JEFF TESTERMAN Hillsborough's voter registration applications might not be processed by the time early voting begins Monday. October 3, 2004 Attorney seeks to unseat his former boss By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD William Knight, 36, son of an old Tampa family, campaigns on a simple promise to keep the talent in the public defender's office. September 4, 2004 Slow count blamed on computer indexing By JEFF TESTERMAN Machine vendor Sequoia Voting Systems diagnoses what delayed the ballot tabulation. September 2, 2004 Bleary eyes wait up for Hillsborough tally By BILL VARIAN and JEFF TESTERMAN TAMPA - Susan Valdes hit the sack Tuesday close to midnight, still not knowing how her bid for the school board turned out in Hillsborough's primary election. September 2, 2004 Valdes or Torgersen? Voters to decide Nov. 2 By MELANIE AVE A draggy count finally confirms it Wednesday morning: Two District 1 School Board candidates face a runoff. September 2, 2004 131 votes give edge to Ambler in slugfest By JOSH ZIMMER The state House race was characterized by negative ads financed by special interests. September 1, 2004 12th Congressional District: Hagenmaier, Putnam likely to square off By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN County Judge: Incumbents likely to keep bench roles By KEVIN GRAHAM Property Appraiser: Incumbent Turner surges to big lead over challenger By JEFF TESTERMAN TAMPA - With a pledge to extend the professionalism he has brought to his office, Rob Turner appeared headed for an easy victory over Will Lavasseur in the race for Hillsborough property appraiser. September 1, 2004 Backlog delays Hillsborough totals By BRADY DENNIS and TAMARA LUSH On an otherwise smooth election night, an overflow of data meant Hillsborough's final numbers won't be known until this morning. September 1, 2004 County Commission: Hagan, Storms, Buckhorn lead primary contestants By BILL VARIAN, BILL COATS and MICHAEL VAN SICKLER The two commissioners and ex-City Council member were leading opponents by comfortable margins. September 1, 2004 State House: 3 gain leads in quest for Tallahassee By Times staff writers But in the GOP's northwest Hillsborough primary, the results were inconclusive. September 1, 2004 Supervisor of Elections: Member of 'Dean's Dozens,' MacKenna, grabs early lead By JEFF TESTERMAN TAMPA - Howard Dean backer Rob MacKenna, one of two proponents of paper trail electronic voting, had the early lead over Steven Henley on Tuesday night in the race for the Democratic nomination for Hillsborough supervisor of elections. September 1, 2004 Circuit Court Judge: Bergmann seems headed to victory By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD Appointed to the bench in 2002, Charles "Ed" Bergmann held a commanding lead over his Group 17 seat challenger. September 1, 2004 State Attorney: Ober cruises toward re-election By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD The Hillsborough State Attorney could still face a Democrat, pending a ruling. September 1, 2004 County Sheriff: Gee takes GOP lead By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER Cal Henderson's second-in-command builds a commanding lead at the polls, leaving retired FBI agent Lane Bonner far behind. August 31, 2004 Many opt to cast early ballots By BILL VARIAN One in seven likely voters have already voted, partly muting the effect of last-minute negative campaigning. August 31, 2004 Unease marks state attorney race By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD With court papers filed by a potential write-in candidate, the election of Hillsborough State Attorney may not end today. August 28, 2004 Candidates elevate growth as key issue By BILL VARIAN Nearly everyone seeking a commission seat says it's the county's No. 1 concern. August 26, 2004 Candidate hopes church is feather that tips vote scale By JOSH ZIMMER Idlewild Baptist Church leaders say they are behind William Bunkley in his House race. August 25, 2004 Commission hopefuls would derail fast train By BILL VARIAN Most say they oppose the bullet train, which is back on the ballot this fall, because of the cost, estimated at more than $20-billion over 30 years. August 21, 2004 Candidate takes criticism on party support, funding By JANET ZINK TAMPA - The jabs kept coming and Trey Traviesa, a political newcomer, kept ducking. August 19, 2004 Late registrations disqualify 1,500 voters By KEVIN GRAHAM The low-income voters who registered through a third party will be allowed to vote in the general election on Nov. 2. Ad flings up campaign mud By LETITIA STEIN and JONI JAMES An obscure group labels Florida House candidate Rich Glorioso an irresponsible spender against lower taxes. August 17, 2004 Hurricane precaution delays first early voters By BILL VARIAN TAMPA - Hillsborough County's early voting early birds were greeted by a slight wait before they were able to cast their ballots Monday, and they can thank Hurricane Charley. August 8, 2004 Primary campaign comes to doorstep By LETITIA STEIN Three Republicans a state House seat are trying to distinguish themselves, one smile and handshake at a time.
February 19, 2005 24 years at the elections helm By STEPHEN HEGARTY Kurt Browning whips a dreaded election into shape even as he faces a challenger for his job. November 7, 2004 Key lesson: Don't ignore mid county By JAMES THORNER For decades, central Pasco was no problem for politicians - few voters existed. Now they abound and are mostly Republican. November 4, 2004 Bush based hunch on Pasco By LUCY MORGAN Gov. Jeb Bush predicted his brother would win Florida after seeing early returns from the county. November 4, 2004 Newcomer's win surprises even backers By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET Jack Mariano's bid for a County Commission seat had the support of high-profile GOP state Sen. Mike Fasano. November 4, 2004 President wins uncounted, precocious ballots of county By MICHELE MILLER It's a landslide in Kids Voting booths, where children learn about the confusion and importance of elections. November 4, 2004 Waiting the hard part for Whaley By REBECCA CATALANELLO When the School Board incumbent fell asleep Tuesday night, she didn't know if she'd beaten Ryan O'Reilly. Wednesday morning, she still didn't. November 4, 2004 Legg takes first steps on new role's journey By MELIA BOWIE Freshly elected to the state House, John Legg sent faxes to its leader as he prepares to "get right to work." November 3, 2004 Fiorentino secures job after tough quest By REBECCA CATALANELLO A politically charged primary and the governor's support push the state representative past her Democratic rival. November 3, 2004 Incumbent Hildebrand sails to sixth term By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET NEW PORT RICHEY - County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand snapped up her sixth term Tuesday, handily defeating challenger Keith Waldron and write-in candidate Jon Kueny. November 3, 2004 Jack Mariano upsets Peter Altman By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET "It's unbelievable," newcomer Mariano, 44, said from his Beacon Woods home. November 3, 2004 John Legg edges out Democrat By MELIA BOWIE After a campaign soaks up money and spews attacks, victory goes to a Republican who has worked with Fiorentino and Fasano. November 2, 2004 Flier on phone company donations zings back By MELIA BOWIE The Republican's mailer about campaign contributions gets an answer from the Democrat: So did you. November 2, 2004 Whaley critic denies ties to her opponent By REBECCA CATALANELLO Election complaints against Marge Whaley have been faxed to the Pasco Times editorial board from a phone listed at Ryan O'Reilly's family business or "The O'Reilly's." November 1, 2004 Challenger can't ruffle sheriff's confidence By STEVE THOMPSON Content to let his term speak for itself, Sheriff Bob White responds to opponent Darlene Greene's criticisms but says little else. November 1, 2004 Swarmed board race avoids the jugular By STEVE THOMPSON Five candidates want the one Mosquito Control Board seat, but they avoid political bloodletting. October 31, 2004 Qualifications, not issues, differentiate candidates By REBECCA CATALANELLO Could this really be politics? October 31, 2004 School race reveals alignment By REBECCA CATALANELLO Ryan O'Reilly's campaign literature for Pasco County School Board says he's "A Teacher, A Father, A Leader." October 30, 2004 Early voting trend catches on in big way By STEPHEN HEGARTY With days to go before the election, early voting and absentee ballots have already boosted turnout to 20 percent. October 29, 2004 Candidates clash on position's main goal By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET While Peter Altman says he tends to focus on the larger issues, his opponent Jack Mariano says taking care of constituents should be a commissioner's primary mission. October 26, 2004 Pace of early voting picks up By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET Thousands went to the polls after receiving their sample ballots this weekend - but some decided the wait was too long. October 25, 2004 Hopefuls tout goals for clerk of court By COLLEEN JENKINS The candidates are billing themselves as men from two very different sides of the courthouse. October 23, 2004 Returns look good for early voting plan By STEPHEN HEGARTY The chance to avoid long lines on Nov. 2 is proving popular with Pasco voters who are finding either no wait or very short ones. Polls are open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 22, 2004 Election chief warns of absentee scam By STEPHEN HEGARTY People posing as election officials are visiting residents of several counties and offering to take absentee ballots. October 19, 2004 Be patient, it's a historic visit By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET Bush's arrival today in New Port Richey marks the first by a sitting president in recent memory. Expect tight security and hordes of people. Unusual bustle as early voting begins By STEPHEN HEGARTYAND BRIDGET HALL GRUMET It's only Day One, and voters speculate they need to hurry. On Nov. 2, they might break a leg, or something. October 19, 2004 Fiorentino captures support from ex-challenger's backers By REBECCA CATALANELLO Finance reports show the Republican candidate in the superintendent of schools race received funding from 62 past Chuck Rushe backers. October 18, 2004 In this race, counting votes counts big By STEPHEN HEGARTY Touch-screen voting and a rare opponent make this a different campaign for longtime Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning.For both the political novice and six-term incumbent in Pasco's elections supervisor race, the 2004 election will be a new experience. October 18, 2004 Opponents in House race revive old rivalry By ALEX LEARY Incumbent Tom Anderson and Kevin Jensen will square off again in the Nov. 2 election for the District 45 seat. October 17, 2004 Hopeful vows to reply to residents By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET Jack Mariano criticizes his opponent, District 5 Commissioner Peter Altman, for not being responsive enough to constituents. But Altman says he returns their calls each day. October 17, 2004 House race is Florida power struggle By MELIA BOWIE Whoever wins District 46 will affect the entire Legislature, currently dominated by Republicans. October 16, 2004 Sheriff hopeful, incumbent clash By STEVE THOMPSON Darlene Greene criticizes Bob White's leadership in a debate, while he praises his work and that of his deputies. October 15, 2004 Elections supervisor candidates mix it up By STEPHEN HEGARTY The two opponents trade accusations of ignorance and lacking a sense of humor. October 13, 2004 School Board candidates differ sharply By REBECCA CATALANELLO While the District 2 incumbent and challenger found few areas of agreement, the superintendent hopefuls often agreed in their debate. Retired grocery manager to meet veteran opponent By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET Workers on task to assure full vote By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET The supervisor of elections says his employees have been working long hours to assure all voters can participate Nov. 2. Touch screen tests attract media gaggle By STEPHEN HEGARTY The nation begins to focus on Florida's voting system reforms as the 2004 presidential election draws nearer. October 11, 2004 Independent candidate strives to be heard By STEPHEN HEGARTY Patrick Bergy is running against stiff competition, Pasco Elections Supervisor and media darling Kurt Browning. October 11, 2004 Veteran commissioner faces off against retired grocery manager By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET The two opponents will meet and make their pitch for the District 3 County Commission seat. October 9, 2004 Landowner fields his own candidate By MICHELE MILLER Weed killer in hand, Andrew Mathis creates a 30-foot sign in some grass to show his backing of John Kerry. October 4, 2004 Republicans greet campaigning Giuliani By MOLLY MOORHEAD New York's popular former mayor stopped at Pasco-Hernando Community College to support President Bush. Challenger: Money issues resolved By STEPHEN HEGARTY Patrick Bergy says his past problems do not affect his quest to be Pasco's next elections supervisor. September 21, 2004 Program gives busy workers voting help By CHASE SQUIRES The supervisor of elections introduces a statewide effort to allow signups or updates for registrations at work. September 2, 2004 Fiorentino tries to reach out to staff By REBECCA CATALANELLO After defeating Chuck Rushe, she attempts to assure people who campaigned to make him school superintendent. September 1, 2004 School Board: Political newcomer Starkey 'just ecstatic' with victory By REBECCA CATALANELLO Activist Kathryn Starkey is a proponent of smaller, more community-centered schools. School Board: Whaley to face runoff vote against undetermined foe By REBECCA CATALANELLO The incumbent on the School Board failed to get the majority of the vote and will run against the second-highest vote-getter. County Judge: Incumbent Roberts earns a six-year term By ALEX LEARY Appointed in 2002, the county's first black judge tallies more than twice as many votes as her lesser-known opponent. Fla. House District 46: GOP voters pick teacher over lawyer By MELIA BOWIE Charter school founder John Legg will face Democrat Dee Thomas in the general election. September 1, 2004 School Superintendent: Fiorentino wins close one By REBECCA CATALANELLO State Rep. Heather Fiorentino beats Chuck Rushe, chief financial officer for the school district. September 1, 2004 County Commission District 3: Voters give incumbent Hildebrand GOP lead By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET The commissioner's experience and funding gave her the advantage against Scott Factor and David Abremski.
November 8, 2004 Absentees erase slim deficit By DUANE BOURNE Frankie Burnett trailed Brent Gaustad by one vote for Brooksville City Council. But he didn't sweat. Absentee ballots were still out. November 4, 2004 Big vote and 'silly little' glitches By JENNIFER LIBERTO More than 72 percent of registered voters continue a trend of strong turnout. Computer problems keep counters up all night. November 4, 2004 County switches sides in selecting Bush By WILL VAN SANT Hernando's Republican Executive Committee says devotion to gathering the support of undecided Democrats paid off. November 4, 2004 Morning brings defeat to sheriff's challenger By DUANE BOURNE Eddie McConnell insisted on waiting to concede as votes were counted. Wednesday came, and brought clarity. November 4, 2004 Gracious words of victory by Fagan; in defeat, by Prescott By Times Staff Writer The runoff race for the Hernando County School Board District 2 seat ended as graciously as it had begun. November 4, 2004 Stephen Spivey wins race; five other judges retained By Times Staff Writer Stephen Spivey won all five counties in the 5th Judicial Circuit Group 10 race against Michael Takac. November 3, 2004 Fagan leads decisively, vows to seek consensus By MARY SPICUZZA BROOKSVILLE - Pat Fagan appeared headed toward a decisive victory over Linda Prescott in the runoff race to replace retiring Hernando County School Board member Gail David. November 3, 2004 He's been voting for presidents since Calvin Coolidge By WILL VAN SANT At age 102, William Anderson has seen the best and worst of presidents, with FDR coming out on top. November 3, 2004 Nugent 'thrilled' as he heads to easy win By DUANE BOURNE BROOKSVILLE - If Democratic challenger James "Eddie" McConnell was looking for a replay of his close race in 2000 for Hernando County sheriff, it didn't appear it would happen. November 3, 2004 Precincts experience only minor problems By JENNIFER LIBERTO Most agree that voting was fairly trouble free across Hernando County, with just a few complaints during what was expected to be a strong turnout. November 3, 2004 Pugh cruises in 1 race; recount likely in other By LOGAN NEILL BROOKSVILLE - High school teacher and coach Brent Gaustad and local NAACP chapter president Frankie Burnett were separated by a single vote, with absentee ballots outstanding in the Group 3 race for City Council late Tuesday. November 3, 2004 Voters pack polls with vigor By DAN DeWITT Around the county, passionate crowds turn out for their local and national candidates and aren't shy about sharing their opinions. November 3, 2004 In Hernando: experience, Democrats By WILL VAN SANT Voters put two familiar faces on the County Commission. Democrats will have a 3-2 majority. November 2, 2004 GOP heavyweights barnstorm in Brooksville By MARY SPICUZZA Gov. Bush, U.S. Senate candidate Mel Martinez and U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite galvanize the crowd at party headquarters. November 2, 2004 Poll watchers eye one another By WILL VAN SANT Both Republicans and Democrats say their poll watchers will be there to help, while accusing their opponents of trying to interfere. November 1, 2004 Election interest overtakes apathy By BRITTANEY KIEFER Classrooms are buzzing about the presidential race. The county has nearly twice as many registered 18- to 25-year-olds as in 2000. Who says young people don't care about politics? November 1, 2004 Expressions of democracy By DAN DeWITT People are showing strong interest in the election in different ways: by voting early, demonstrating and yelling at demonstrators. October 31, 2004 Candidates rake in last contributions By JENNIFER LIBERTO and WILL VAN SANT Political contributors pull out their checkbooks and funnel thousands of dollars into local races. October 31, 2004 Counties spending, but not lavishly By WILL VAN SANT An analysis shows public spending by Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties is rising sharply - but not necessarily out of line with their growth. October 29, 2004 Council election is for city's future By DUANE BOURNE The direction of Brooksville will be determined by the two candidates elected Tuesday and three new faces in 2006. October 28, 2004 Candidate finds his party By WILL VAN SANT But Steven Ashmore discovers the Constitution Party too late to register in time for Nov. 2 voting. October 28, 2004 Candidates' stance on schools similar By MARY SPICUZZA School Board hopefuls call for quick action on teacher pay and overcrowding but have little else in common. October 24, 2004 Face to face By Times Staff Writer One of the most hotly contested political races in Hernando County this year is a rematch of the 2000 race for sheriff. October 20, 2004 State House race remains divided on water issue By DAN DeWITT State Rep. David D. Russell Jr. is best known for a bill tying development to the availability of water. Opponent Jim Hughes says the measure won't work. Foe says Brown-Waite should return $14,000 By RAGHURAM VADAREVU Robert Whittel says the funds are linked to a group whose fundraising is drawing scrutiny. October 19, 2004 Hundreds line up to cast ballots early By WILL VAN SANT About 850 people take advantage of early voting Monday. Their reasons and politics vary, but they agree early voting is a good idea. October 18, 2004 Integrity, FCAT major issues in District 15 race By JENNIFER LIBERTO Incumbent Paula Dockery faces political newcomer and Democrat Carol Castagnero, who wants to eliminate the statewide assessment test. October 17, 2004 Too many new ordinances? Candidates weigh in By WILL VAN SANT County Commission candidates call some new ordinances intrusive. Current officials say voters, who initiated the changes anyway, aren't complaining. October 16, 2004 Elect to vote early? Go ahead By WILL VAN SANT Balloting will start Monday in Brooksville and Spring Hill. You can even make your choices on a Saturday. October 10, 2004 Voters' antigrowth views guide hopefuls By DAN DeWITT Candidates promise to check sprawl, stick to long-term plans and make developers pitch in for roads and schools. October 9, 2004 Deadline brings flurry of signups By WILL VAN SANT In 2000, on the last day to register, 54 Hernando residents signed up. This year on the last day, 424 did, elections officials say. September 16, 2004 Venture stays out of campaign talk By COLLEEN JENKINS A man running for the Hernando County Commission says a sex enhancement supplement business is run by his wife, not him. September 2, 2004 Gated communities helped challenger whip Hyslop By JENNIFER LIBERTO Assistant State Attorney Don Scaglione, who had less campaign money, cultivated such voters this time around, and it paid off. September 2, 2004 Recount finds just 1 vote in District 5 By WILL VAN SANT The tight race prompted the automatic recount. Janey Baldwin now faces Chris Kingsley and a write-in Nov. 2. September 1, 2004 County Judge: Scaglione unseats Hyslop By JENNIFER LIBERTO Assistant State Attorney Don Scaglione accused the incumbent county judge of being soft on crime and inefficient. September 1, 2004 To voters, the best politics involve local issues, concerns By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK Many questioned in their precincts say they chiefly focus on candidates and issues close to home. September 1, 2004 County Commission: Recount in one race By WILL VAN SANT BROOKSVILLE - With less than half a percent difference in the top two vote totals, Hernando elections officials will conduct a mandatory recount today to confirm whether Janey Baldwin defeated James Adkins in Tuesday's District 5 Republican primary for County Commission. September 1, 2004 School Board: Malcolm keeps seat; runoff for District 2 By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK Pat Fagan and Linda Prescott will square off in the Nov. 2 general election to replace Gail David, who is retiring. August 31, 2004 Voters, do your part at the polls By A Times Editorial Polls expect hefty turnout By WILL VAN SANT Elections officials predict increased political interest will bring large numbers of voters to the polls today. August 30, 2004 Candidates respond By Letters to the Editor Luke Frazier August 29, 2004 Deepest pockets for candidates: their own By WILL VAN SANT Winning is worth more than $20,000 to some contenders. Builders and unions pitched in, too, fundraising reports show. August 29, 2004 Early and absentee voting bolster expectations By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK Primary turnout usually falls below 30 percent, but the elections supervisor says the trend is upward. August 28, 2004 Friendly race hits bitter notes By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK Jim Malcolm says rival Danny Dunn stumbled onto the low road after receiving a flyer for a rally against the School Board. August 28, 2004 Incumbent not running again By DUANE BOURNE Joe Bernardini didn't file for re-election, prompted by what he views as an antagonistic relationship with some council members. August 27, 2004 GOP field wants to curb spending, inefficiency By WILL VAN SANT A slate of candidates attuned to county government, they call the existing bureaucracy bloated and wasteful. August 26, 2004 GOP candidates want tightening of county spending By WILL VAN SANT Their differences lie in the details of how to achieve fiscal balance and manage inevitable growth in the near future. August 25, 2004 Democrats offer divergent views By WILL VAN SANT Commissioner Diane Rowden believes in hands-on government; challenger Phillip Johnson favors a less "intrusive" system. August 24, 2004 Development a litmus test in large District 1 GOP field By WILL VAN SANT The six County Commission candidates run the gamut of ideologies on growth management in Hernando County.
November 8, 2004 Supervisor says recount isn't for sale By RAGHURAM VADAREVU Susan Gill had told a City Council candidate that he could pay for a recount, but the state Constitution doesn't mention it. November 5, 2004 Two of five provisional ballots ruled valid By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB The county's canvassing board rejects three of them, one because a voter registered too late. November 4, 2004 In filing of poll results, we're No. 1 in Florida By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB The elections office experiences only minor bumps on its speedy road to returns: A few machines jam and voters cast five provisional ballots. November 4, 2004 New school leaders ready for takeover By BARBARA BEHRENDT Sandra "Sam" Himmel, Bill Murray and Linda Powers begin their terms Nov. 16. Himmel plans a host of meetings to prepare. November 4, 2004 Victor puts down new roots in district By JUSTIN GEORGE New Commissioner Joyce Valentino moves into a new address on election night, as required by law. November 4, 2004 Recount off table in Crystal River By RAGHURAM VADAREVU Final results from the Supervisor of Elections Office show that John M. Kostelnick lost by too many votes for a free challenge. November 3, 2004 Spivey charges past Takac for seat on bench By ABBIE VANSICKLE The race pitted two Ocala lawyers, both in private practice, against each other. 2 incumbents win, another defeated by former chief By RAGHURAM VADAREVU Susan Kirk and John Kendall are voted back into office, but ex-police Chief Jim Farley ousts Kitty Ebert. November 3, 2004 Citrus incumbent Dawsy trounces 2 challengers By ABBIE VANSICKLE INVERNESS - Jeff Dawsy breezed through the election, easily winning a third term as Citrus County sheriff. November 3, 2004 Familiar face to lead Citrus schools By BARBARA BEHRENDT Former School Board member Sandra Himmel easily tops two challengers. November 3, 2004 Fervor, dignity meet at polls By JUSTIN GEORGE After this fierce campaign season, people turned out in exceptional numbers, but with reserve and even reverence. November 3, 2004 Valentino, Damato part of new face for board By JUSTIN GEORGE An observer says the commission's makeup is changing from one where the majority sided with development interests. November 3, 2004 Voters elect Murray, Powers to county's School Board By BARBARA BEHRENDT INVERNESS - Voters elected two new members - both of them teachers - to the Citrus County School Board. November 2, 2004 Last chance to cast that vote By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB and RAGHURAM VADAREVU More than 38 percent of Citrus voters cast their ballots early. Today is the final opportunity for all the rest. Polls close at 7 p.m. November 1, 2004 County prepares for busy Election Day By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB The rush of early voting may be a preview of what's to come Tuesday, when voters, volunteers and poll watchers are expected to be out in force. October 31, 2004 PACs rake it in, pack last-minute punch By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB In days, Citizens for a Better Citrus raised $120,885; its rival, $19,275. Some candidates didn't raise that much in their entire campaigns. October 30, 2004 Donors behind election ads disclosed By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB Candidates Josh Wooten and Joyce Valentino ask two groups to cease the ads and mailers. October 30, 2004 Mailer's innuendos spark ire By JUSTIN GEORGE County Commission Chairman Josh Wooten faults rival Joyce Valentino, though it is from an independent group supporting her. October 29, 2004 Crystal River council hopefuls split on view of city's success By RAGHURAM VADAREVU Council's Kitty Ebert says the city has been productive, but Jim Farley says it has alienated both the public and the county. October 29, 2004 Candidates reply By Letters to the Editor The Citrus Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Here are some of those replies: October 28, 2004 Both seek to build, but with care By JUSTIN GEORGE Republican Dennis Damato says he's a builder who also is "a proponent of protection and building with the environment." October 28, 2004 Carr By JUSTIN GEORGE Democrat Jimmy Carr taps an all-American background as he meets voters and seeks to "balance growth with nature." October 28, 2004 Hopefuls agree on some issues, not so on others By RAGHURAM VADAREVU CRYSTAL RIVER - For the past three years, City Council member Susan M. Kirk has often disagreed with the council majority. In one of the council's most controversial decisions earlier this year, Kirk voted against the annexation of 500-plus acres at the southern end of the city limits. October 26, 2004 A mostly GOP poll watch By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB Many more watchers for Republicans than Democrats will be at precincts. No one signed up to represent Kerry. October 26, 2004 Political group forms opposing Wooten By JUSTIN GEORGE Jim Bitter creates Truth in Political Advertising to help counteract two mailers backing the commission chairman. October 26, 2004 Vote early at three sites By Times Staff Early voting for the Nov. 2 general election is available to all qualified registered voters through Monday at three locations in Citrus County. Voting can be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at the Supervisor of Elections offices, 120 N Apopka Ave., Inverness; or 801 SE U.S. 19, Crystal River. Early voting also is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Central Ridge Library, 425 W Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills. Early voting is similar to voting at the polls on Election Day. Bring a picture and signature identification, such as a driver's license. Voters will be given a ballot to vote and place into the Accu-vote machine. Privacy booths will be set up in the offices. Votes cast into the Accu-vote machine will not be tabulated until 7 p.m. Nov. 2. For questions or concerns, call the elections office at 341-6740. October 25, 2004 Opponents in Senate race push their goals By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB The District 3 candidates both say their main priority is meeting constituents' needs. October 25, 2004 Opponents take aim at sheriff's record By ABBIE VANSICKLE Two candidates hoping to replace Sheriff Jeff Dawsy say they're concerned with the office's growing budget. October 25, 2004 State Senate hopefuls vow to listen, act By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET Incumbent Mike Fasano and challenger Steve Mattingly both promise to be responsive but vary in their stands on the issues. October 24, 2004 Sold on politics By JUSTIN GEORGE WOOTEN: The incumbent wheels, deals and sells himself as straightforward, knowledgeable. He runs on handshakes and quips. October 24, 2004 Steeped in politics By JUSTIN GEORGE VALENTINO: Familiar with door-to-door campaigning, she brings a softer style and crusading spirit to her bid for County Commission. October 23, 2004 Wooten says flier's fraud claim untrue By JUSTIN GEORGE The ad, mailed by a builder political group, lauds the commission chairman's work. His rival calls it misleading. October 22, 2004 Property appraiser race hinges on old rivalry By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB John Barnes says opponent Melanie Hensley, who worked under the old appraiser, would act too much like her mentor. She denies the claim. October 22, 2004 Six City Council hopefuls face off By RAGHURAM VADAREVU They expressed varying views on Crystal River's April annexation and a substation during the debate but agreed on buying park equipment. October 21, 2004 Experience varies in judgeship contest By ABBIE VANSICKLE INVERNESS - Two Ocala lawyers, both in private practice, are vying to be a circuit court judge in the 5th Circuit. October 20, 2004 5 appeals judges get state Bar's approval By JIM ROSS Voters will choose whether to retain for six-year terms the judges, some of whom have ruled on high-profile cases. October 19, 2004 Board candidates list goals for schools By BARBARA BEHRENDT One is part of the school system; one is not. Each says that position would be an advantage in finishing Sam Himmel's term. October 18, 2004 Superintendent hopefuls vie to fill void By BARBARA BEHRENDT Having served eight years in public office and having lived in Citrus all her life, Sandra "Sam" Himmel is confident she is ready to lead the public schools as the next superintendent. October 17, 2004 School Board hopefuls tout experience By BARBARA BEHRENDT Does the board need another educator or someone with a different background? That may be the bottom line. Two weigh in on the FCAT, construction debacle, more. October 16, 2004 Builders will try hands at political ads By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB The group will use the little time remaining before the upcoming election to influence its outcome. October 16, 2004 Hopefuls put best pitch forward By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB and JUSTIN GEORGE Spending, the Suncoast Parkway, water issues and lobbyists' influence loom large in debates among candidates for sheriff, County Commission, Senate and House. October 14, 2004 Tourism ad fuels heated exchange By JUSTIN GEORGE Two supporters of the GOP challenger to the County Commission chairman accuse him of using as a campaign booster an ad supporting tourism in Citrus. October 7, 2004 Candidate gets no help with qualifying signature glitch By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET A last minute disqualification of many of his petition signatures leaves the state Senate hopeful needing to take out a loan to get his name on the ballot. October 7, 2004 Debates drive election forum By BARBARA BEHRENDT, JUSTIN GEORGE and RAGHURAM VADAREVU Citrus County's 2004 candidates square off to grill each other about how the jobs they seek should be done. October 3, 2004 Early voting surges in election season By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB A surge in absentee voting is making candidates and forums rethink campaign strategies. September 30, 2004 Ex-Bush opponent delivers for Kerry, audience By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards tells about 400 Democrats gathered in Crystal River, "When we vote, we win." September 26, 2004 School race centers on Homosassa By BARBARA BEHRENDT While the front runner says she has worked hard on the Homosassa Elementary debacle, her opponents think otherwise. September 21, 2004 Elections officials reach out to voters By AMY WIMMER SCHWARB As the registration deadline nears, officials try to make it easy for the storm-weary to get signed up and cast ballots. September 5, 2004 Educators vs. outsiders for School Board seats By BARBARA BEHRENDT The November general election will bring four candidates back to decide the races in Districts 4 and 5.
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