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Hernando Today

Democrat Exits State House Race

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By TONY MARRERO Hernando Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 18, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Joe Puglia, the Brooksville Democrat who sought to wrest the District 44 House seat from Republican Rob Schenck, left the race Wednesday citing the need to give full attention to his family.

Puglia's wife Marianne was recently diagnosed with "a serious illness" and is now undergoing "specialized care," the 41-year-old owner of a Brooksville waste hauling company said in a statement.
Puglia said he made the decision after "thorough and heartfelt contemplation."

"The need for me, as well as our three children, to be emotionally and logistically available for Marianne supersedes every priority in our lives," Puglia said in the statement. "Because of the effort necessary to provide that care, I simply cannot devote enough time to pursuing this elective office while also making a living."
Puglia said the experience has been "enlightening and rewarding" and thanked supporters and asked them "to keep a caring thought for our family during this trying time."

"I still believe very much in my message to create jobs, enhance education and stop sidestepping the issues of homeowners insurance and meaningful property tax reform," he said. "God willing, I will continue to work toward those goals and to make Florida a place where hard-working people can earn a living, and where their families will be healthy and safe."

He didn't immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.

Schenck won't win by default, though. Sarah Roman, a 22-year-old Green Party candidate, is still in the race.

But Roman, a political newcomer in a minor party who has yet to do any significant campaigning, is a long shot at best against a Republican incumbent in a district that features a Republican majority. District 44 is comprised of most of Hernando and portions of Sumter and Pasco counties.

Roman did not immediately return a call for comment Wednesday afternoon. A Green Party representative couldn't be reached.

Schenck said he was sorry to hear about Puglia's wife.

"My family's thoughts and prayers are with his and hopefully everything turns out OK for them," Schenck said.

But he said he's not taking a win for granted and won't change his strategy.

"I'm going to campaign just as hard, knocking on doors, talking to people and making sure their concerns are met," he said.

In his statement, Puglia acknowledged he'd gotten off to a slow start.

"I knew it would be an uphill battle when I entered the race for state House," he said. "I declared my candidacy relatively late and, because of my inexperience in the political process, I was slow in taking the very necessary steps to gain name recognition and get my message to voters in District 44."

Jay Rowden, chairman of Hernando's Democratic Executive Committee, learned of Puglia's exit from a reporter Wednesday afternoon.

Rowden, who'd been excited about Puglia's prospects against Schenck, said he knew the candidate has also been focusing on developments at his business, Big Redd Carting. After crawling out of the gate, Puglia's campaign had started to show promise again, Rowden said.

"He was kicking it in gear and taking off, and then he got slammed with this," Rowden said.

Rowden acknowledged that the Puglia's exit all but assures another term for Schenck.

"As it is hard as it is for me to accept," he said. "I guess I start looking for another candidate. I've got two years."

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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