Dukes Seeks County Commission Seat

After he lost last year's District 3 primary to Democrat Diane Rowden, Wayne Dukes said he would not run again.

But on Wednesday, Republican Dukes pre-qualified - this time against Rose Rocco in District 2.

Dukes said he changed his mind after several people approached him.

"I think it's worth it because I think I have something to offer," Dukes said.

Dukes said he wanted to start his campaign early to get his name out in the community.

"I believe we made some positive changes to the commission in the last election, but I feel we need to make more," Dukes said. "There are hard times ahead for everyone and we have to have a government that is prepared and qualified to make the hard decisions."

Ironically, Dukes ran as a Democrat for county commissioner in the 2006 primary - against Rocco.

He lost and later switched parties.

Dukes, 63, is a career firefighter who retired as a civilian fire chief for the federal government. He lives in Hernando Beach.

All of a sudden, the race for the District 2 county commission seat has become somewhat heated. With Dukes' filing, the number of candidates is now three.

Rocco pre-qualified earlier this month for the seat. By filing early, Rocco said she will be able to start raising campaign funds.

"I figured I might as well get it done," she said.

Republican William Kingeter filed in January. Kingeter was campaign manager for Robert Schenck, when the now-state representative ran for county commissioner.