Five candidates – three Democrats and two Republicans – are in a sprint to gain voters’ favor to represent the district, which covers West Tampa, Town ‘N Country, the West Shore business corridor and Seminole Heights. The seat opened when Rep. Michael Scionti, D-Tampa, said on Dec. 7 he was taking a job with the Obama administration.
Updates:
3:12 p.m. – Blogging from Creative Loafing offices in Ybor.
2:45 p.m. – Hands-down, Gil Sanchez has the most beautiful political wife ever seen on the campaign trail. Also have to give him credit for most inventive political advertising of the campaign:
2:11 p.m. – Cruz consultant Vic DiMaio is worried about low turnout, but is confident his client will win tonight.
12:01 p.m. – Lunch withed Jordan Raynor and Jonny Torres.
10:03 a.m. – Final early-voting numbers for H-58 Special Election.
9:19 a.m. – Former Hillsborough DEC Chair Mike Suarez predicts a win for Cruz.
8:21 a.m. – Last-minute attack targets the rest of the Cruz family.
For more background on this race, please read:
The ultra-nasty, pro-Kemp Politics in Tampa blog.
Mitch Perry’s analysis: Times endorses Kemp; Trib endorses Cruz in District 58 Democratic Primary
Kathy Steele’s profiles of Janet Cruz, Pat Kemp, Gil Sanchez, Jackie Rojas-Quinones
Janet Zink’s (who has done a fantastic job covering Tampa politics) investigation: State House candidate has financial issues in her past, says she made good on debts
