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Deg pulls out of commission race

Insurance activist Nicole Deg says she does not want to challenge another Democrat for the District 4 seat.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published July 22, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Insurance activist Nicole Deg quit her bid to win a seat on the Pasco County Commission, saying she did not want to challenge another Democrat.

Deg, 30, withdrew as qualifying ended Friday. Former Port Richey Mayor Michael Cox, a Democrat, will face incumbent County Commissioner Steve Simon, a Republican, in District 4. Neither has an opponent in the Sept. 5 primary.

Deg made headlines for her fight to improve Florida's home insurance system, which has left Pasco with skyrocketing rates. But it never translated into enough campaign contributions to match Simon, and Cox's entrance triggered her exit.

"I can compete with him, with Cox or with Simon. It's just right now, I don't want to compete against another Democrat," said Deg, who will support Cox and continue her push for insurance reform.

With the contest between former allies Cox and Simon later, the races for a central Pasco commission seat and two School Board posts are the highest profile contests Sept. 5. Voters also choose county judges.

Despite a promise by Chairwoman Alison Morano to field candidates in both commissioner races, Pasco Democrats failed to run anyone for the District 2 seat held by Pat Mulieri. But Morano said Cox is a quality candidate, and the rebuilding party needs to run candidates who are qualified.

The party also failed to place a candidate against Republican state Rep. John Legg when Alan Rankin of New Port Richey failed to qualify. Rankin, who pulled out and then changed his mind this week, said he sent qualifying materials Thursday evening. But they evidently did not make the noon deadline, giving Legg his re-election for House District 46.

For the School Board, Deborah McDowell withdrew, leaving incumbent Cathi Martin and three challengers for the District 3 seat. In District 5, Tami Paxton failed to qualify, making it a two-person race to fill Kathleen Wolf's seat. Three people will run for the District 1 seat.

The primary for the other County Commission race ended up with three Republican candidates, including Mulieri. Little-known John Edward Horan III did not qualify, leaving utility owner Larry DeLucenay and Christie Zimmer, a Realtor.

The Pasco Republican Party's executive committee failed to endorse a candidate in the race late Thursday. Pressing the commission to cut taxes more, members overwhelmingly supported Mulieri - but her 55 votes fell short of the two-thirds necessary. DeLucenay got 10 and Zimmer seven. Nine voted for no endorsement.

Despite her scant support, Zimmer said, "the lack of an endorsement shows that people want a change."

Cathi Compton was easily endorsed by Republicans over Allen Altman in School Board District 1.

William G. Sestak, Robert P. Cole and Marc Salton were unopposed for County Court judgeships.

[Last modified July 21, 2006, 22:30:35]