Today's election will fill House seat

A low turnout is expected as four candidates vie for the District 43 post.

By Times Staff Writer
Published June 26, 2007

A block of voters in Hernando County head to the polls today to decide a special election for state House District 43.

The 12, 459 registered voters in Hernando will choose from four candidates: Democrat Sophia Diaz-Fonseca of Inverness, Republican Ron Schultz of Homosassa, Independent David J. Gregory of Homosassa and write-in contender H. David Werder of Hudson.

The seat came open after Gov. Charlie Crist appointed former state Sen. Nancy Argenziano to the state Public Service Commission. Then, District 43 state Rep. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, resigned to run for the Senate seat, which is also being decided today.

If the primary election earlier this month is any indication, voter turnout is expected to be low, meaning the winner could be decided by a few dozen votes.

Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The House district includes all of Citrus County, southern Levy County and a slice of north-central Hernando County.

The Hernando portion includes 4, 835 Democrats and 4, 829 Republicans as well as 2, 142 voters with no party affiliation and 653 registered with minor parties.

Elsewhere in the district, Citrus County has an estimated 40, 158 Republicans and 35, 978 Democrats; Levy has 969 Democrats and 855 Republicans.

In Hernando County, the district includes the following neighborhoods: High Point, Brookridge, Weeki Wachee North and Weeki Wachee Gardens. Precincts open for the election include 13, 18, 24, 25, 49, 50, 53 and part of 3.

If you have questions, call the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections Office at 754-4125.

[Last modified June 25, 2007, 20:50:45]