Republican Mike Fasano tips the scales as Democrat Murphy wins Pasco House seat
NEW PORT RICHEY — For the first time in nearly two decades, Pasco County will send a Democrat to Tallahassee.
Amanda Murphy won a narrow victory in Tuesday’s special election over Republican Bill Gunter. She will replace longtime legislator Mike Fasano, who resigned earlier this year to become Pasco County tax collector after 19 years representing west Pasco voters.
“I hope they see no difference with me taking the helm,†Murphy said. “I hope they feel as much love from me as they felt from Mike Fasano. I want to keep up his tradition of constituent services — otherwise I’ll be in trouble.â€
Murphy will take office in early November but will be up for reelection in 2014.
In a district that leans Democratic and voted twice for President Barack Obama, the race was decided by the more than 3,000 unaffiliated voters. The two candidates were separated by only 305 votes, according to unofficial returns. The slim margin is not enough to trigger an automatic recount. Read more: HERE