Fasano Earns Fourth Senate Term

Sen. Mike Fasano easily won a fourth and final term Tuesday in the state Senate, cruising by Democratic challenger and political newcomer Fred Taylor.

The New Port Richey Republican Fasano had 65 percent of the vote to Taylor's 35 percent.

Fasano proved especially popular in Hernando County, where he took 62 percent of the vote. The district is comprised of portions of Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

Fasano, 50, served eight years in the state House and was elected to the Senate in 2002. He's risen to the powerful position of majority whip.

Taylor, a 60-year-old Vietnam veteran and business broker making his first bid for public office, tried to convince voters that Fasano had his chance to effect change and had failed. He cited the state's insurance crisis and ailing budget.

But Fasano, while acknowledging that the state had major challenges ahead, maintained that he helped the Legislature make progress by passing some insurance and property tax reform measures. Fasano said the district needs an experienced lawmaker on its side to continue work on those issues and to tackle the state's looming budget deficit.

Florida Senate District 11

Mike Fasano, Republican (incumbent): 65 percent.

Fred Taylor, Democrat: 35 percent.