Politically speaking, October has started out to be an exciting month in Hernando County. We have had some earlier pre-qualification of candidates for the 2006 election which are:

• Commissioner Robert Schenck has announced that he will run for the Florida State House of Representatives, Dist. 44
• Rep. David Russell released a press release this morning (WWJB 1450) announcing his run for the Hernando County Commission/District 4
• Bill McCollum announced that he will be running for Florida's Attorney General position

Fundraising get-togethers have also started for the 2006 election. Our very own Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite enjoyed a birthday party thrown in her honor last Saturday night at the Lake House in Spring Hill. The host committee for this fundraiser did a tremendous job making the night special for Ginny & her guests. Soft violin music played as her friends, new and old alike, celebrated by munching on delicious cake and dainty sweets while sipping champagne, coffee and soft drinks. Many notables were in attendance for this gala event which included the Honorable David Russell, Sheriff Nugent and Karen Nicolai. Tom Barb was also in attendance along with many other members from the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce like Dudley Hampton, Gus Guadagnino, Anna Liisa Covell and Lonnie Embry. Frank Colletti, former Chairman of the REC was also in attendance. This gathering of over 100 well-wishers certainly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere while helping Ginny celebrate her birthday with this early successful fundraising event.