News

GOP says Sager's fate in voters' hands

By Michael D. Bates | Hernando Today
Published: October 29, 2012

BROOKSVILLE - Now that Republican county commission candidate Jason Sager's acknowledged extra-marital affair is out in the open, the local GOP is leaving his fate up to the voters.

That was the official statement from Hernando County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Blaise Ingoglia, who said Monday he is speaking on behalf of the entire committee.

"Now that the information is out there, it's ultimately up to the voters to decide how much weight they want to give this issue before they cast their votes," Ingoglia said.

Asked whether the party will continue to support Sager, Ingoglia replied: "We support all of our Republican candidates."

Sager, 38, running for county commission District 3, has acknowledged his affair with his media liaison, Danielle Alexandre, began in March and ended in June. Alexandre became Sager's media liaison in January. Danielle Alexandre has since gotten divorced.

Sager said in an email to Hernando Today he is trying to attend to his family's needs during this "difficult time."

Meanwhile, a rumor is circulating that the local GOP is trying to get Sager to suspend his campaign and asking County Commissioner John Druzbick to accept a write-in spot on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

It even reached the attention of the county supervisor of elections office, which was looking into the possible scenario Monday afternoon.

Ingoglia squashed the rumor and said he talked with Sager, who did not indicate he planned to suspend his campaign.

Sager is the Republican candidate for county commission District 3. His challengers are Democrat Diane Rowden and no-party candidate Greg Sheldon.

mbates@hernandotoday.com (352) 544-5290