Beckner to face Blair; Hagan also wins

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Mike Salinero

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 10:25 PM

Republican incumbent County Commissioners Ken Hagan and Brian Blair ran away with their Hillsborough primary races and newcomer Kevin Beckner prevailed over two other Democrats to face off against Blair in November.

Incumbent Property Appraiser Rob Turner also won, easily beating James Robert “Rob” Townsend in the Republican primary. Turner will face Democrat Ken Ayers in the November general election.

Blair, a first-term commissioner and former pro wrestler, carried about 70 percent of the vote in beating auto sales manager Don Kruse.

“I think the voters are educated and they know who will serve them best,” Blair said. “I hope they continue to place their trust in me because heart is with them.”

Hagan, the commission chairman, also trounced Keystone-Odessa civic activist Tom Aderhold in the Republican primary. The victory ensures Hagan the seat because no Democrats qualified.

The Democratic race for Blair’s countywide seat was closer. Beckner, a 37-year-old financial planner, beat second place finisher Denise Layne, a Lutz environmental activists. Tampa businessman and strip club owner Joe Redner, finished third.

Beckner said he will reach out across party lines to defeat Blair, who angered environmental groups last year by trying to dismantle the county’s environmental protection agency. Beckner said he hopes to get Layne and Redner’s endorsement for the general election.

“Again we’re reaching out to everybody,” Beckner said.

“This isn’t about any certain individual. This is about reconnecting the County Commission with the people of Hillsborough County. I think Joe and Denise, that’s what they’re about: They are about the people.”