The presidential race isn't the only upcoming election that will be of interest to Hillsborough County voters. Three county commission seats, two elected by district and one countywide, are up for grabs, including a possible contest between incumbent Brian Blair and Mons Venus owner Joe Redner. Party nominees will be chosen in an Aug. 26 primary. The general election will be Nov. 4. Here's a look at seven candidates who have filed their intent to run and several who said they are seriously thinking of running. ...more

February 17, 2008

For much of the past two decades, Americans have watched in frustration as presidents and members of Congress have repeatedly achieved deadlock rather than consensus on issues that are critical to our nation. The results of this partisan traffic jam are frightening. For example: ...more

February 3, 2008

Before I vote, I want to be aware of how each candidate stands on the issues that are important to me. The more I know, the better my decision. I thought that I had planned well for my retirement. Now I find that rising prices for gasoline and everything else are cramping my style. The average family today does not have a pension plan like mine with a defined benefit. The average family is more concerned with paying today's bills than saving for tomorrow's retirement. Many will have to continue to work into their 70s and 80s. Which candidates are willing to take a stand to preserve Social Security without taking money out? Which candidates are willing to propose incentives for personal saving for retirement in addition to Social Security? The rising cost of health care concerns me, too. I am blessed with wonderful health insurance which covers my $100,000 per year prescription drug costs. What are the candidates proposals for providing health insurance to all Americans? Which candidates have a plan to reign in health care costs? ...more

January 25, 2008

Maybe it's a burning desire for tax relief. ...more

January 24, 2008

Maybe it's a burned-out electorate eager to take action after a presidential campaign that many complain started much too early. ...more

January 23, 2008

Republican candidates are always depicted by Democrats and the media as racists, sexists, homophobes and bigots. They must have forgotten their talking papers, because Sen. Hillary Clinton and her staff are attacking Sen. Barack Obama, and Sen. Obama is responding. Both parties have agreed to a cease-fire, but we will see how long it lasts. ...more

January 17, 2008

Republican candidates are always depicted by Democrats and the media as racists, sexists, homophobes and bigots. ...more

January 17, 2008

A year ago, all the news from Iraq and Afghanistan was "gloom and doom," U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez said Wednesday. ...more

January 17, 2008

Which way will Hernando go? The conscientious among the electorate will begin to answer that question on Monday, the first day of early voting for the Jan. 29 presidential primary election. ...more

January 12, 2008

A local political spokesperson said the reason there are so many people listed as independent voters these days is due to motor vehicle registrations, when people don't know what to put down for party affiliation. That's partially true, but there's something much bigger going on that neither major party seems to grasp. People are tired of the candidates they elect being so out of touch with their needs. During campaigns, these politicians seem all ears on the issues of the day. They talk about the problems, offer multiple-point plans on how to address then. Then, once elected, nothing is improved and special interests always hold much more sway than constituents. It's no wonder so many people are dropping party affiliations and becoming independents. ...more

January 10, 2008