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Hernando Today

Republican Party Searches For New Leader

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By TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: April 1, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - When it came time last December for Ana Trinque to decide whether to run for another two-year term as leader of the county's Republican Party, she labored over the decision.

On one hand, she wanted to help continue the progress the party had made during her six years as chairwoman that included victories in races ranging from county commission to Congress. On the other was the urge to dedicate more time to her real estate business and her growing family.

The commitment to the party - and some gentle urging from executive committee members for Trinque to run for an unprecedented fourth term - eventually won out, and she ran unopposed for the post. It was her third time without opposition.

The need to make a living and the desire to enjoy her new grandchildren turned out to be too strong, however. Trinque has decided to step down after all.

She notified party leaders last week they should start looking for a replacement and she will leave as soon as her successor is in place.

"I need that weight off of me now," Trinque said in an interview. "I think I've served my time."

Party leaders interviewed Tuesday agreed.

"She's done an excellent job," said Tom Hogan, Sr., one of the county party's founders who serves as state committeeman. "People don't know the amount of effort it takes on a daily basis."

Trinque, first elected in 2002, is credited with leading the party to a host of successes since then. Last year, Republicans took down two Democratic incumbents on the county commission and protected two of their seats in the state Legislature, as well as U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's Congressional post. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain won in Hernando County.

But last year's effort was particularly exhausting because of the presidential race that started earlier than ever, Trinque said. While the party has a core group of dedicated volunteers, much of the work still falls on the shoulder of the party chair.

It was rewarding, she said, and "very, very difficult."

With an open U.S. Senate seat up for grabs, Brown-Waite up for re-election and two county commission seats on the ballot, "I think 2010 is going to be just as tough, hard and long," Trinque said.

In a decimated housing market and deepening recession that shows no clear signs of abating, Trinque and her husband Art, who also is a Realtor, have to redouble their efforts to keep their Novo Group real estate company afloat.

"I have to work harder and I can't lose focus," she said. "It's taking more of my time to earn a decent living because of the way the market is right now."

Whatever free time she does get, she wants to devote to family, including the grandchildren of her two sons. Her first grandson will turn 2 soon. Another one is on the way.

As a past chairwoman, Trinque will still have will have a seat on the board and also will continue to serve as a precinct chair.

Party leaders have formed a committee to consider possible successors. The committee will approach potential candidates and also consider those who express interest, Hogan said. Nominations will be made from the floor at an upcoming meeting and party members will vote. The goal is to have someone in place by the May or June meeting, Hogan said.

"We're going to interview people and select who we think is qualified, someone who wants to do it and who has time to do it," Hogan said. "There are several people in the organization who could come in and in short order have the office in command."

While acknowledging there is "no such thing as an off year" for a party chair, now is probably the best time to transfer power, Hogan said.

"They'll have time to get their feet on the ground before the next election comes up," he said.

Party Vice-chairman Alan Setelius was among those who convinced Trinque to serve another term. Setelius said he was sad to learn she had a change of heart, though he said he understands her motivations.

Setelius, who is on the search committee, has said in the past he didn't have interest in the job. He said Tuesday he didn't think he was qualified because he doesn't have the public speaking and diplomacy skills required.

He agreed with Hogan the party has several would-be successors to Trinque.

"I just hope some of the people who we think are good candidates want the job," he said.

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

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