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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

State Senate, District 11

State Democratic Party leaders have targeted state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, in District 11, an oblong-shaped area stretching from north Pinellas County to the Citrus-Levy line.

Two Democratic candidates want to take on Fasano in November: Fred Taylor, 60, a New Port Richey businessman, and Richard Skandera, a 21-year-old University of Central Florida student whose home is in Palm Harbor. The better choice is Taylor, a Vietnam-era Army veteran and three-time Purple Heart recipient.

Taylor, a business broker, is smart and inquisitive. He recognizes that property insurance, taxes and education remain huge challenges, but he's a bit thin on solutions. He is not convinced that offshore drilling should be allowed.

Taylor's biggest advantage is his past leadership of the 43,000-member Military Order of the Purple Heart. He served as national commander for one year, helping craft federal legislation.

Skandera gained political experience in the UCF Student Senate, but his vision is narrow. He wants to raise the age - from 16 to 18 - at which students can drop out of high school, hardly a solution. With seasoning and experience, Skandera would have broader appeal.

Taylor would give the Democrats the better chance against Fasano. Hernando Today recommends Fred Taylor for state Senate, District 11.

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