Democrats Dicks And Russell Best In Primary For Congress

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Congressional District 9 is a good example of a district drawn to suit politicians rather than serve voters.

It includes include coastal Pasco, parts of north Pinellas, north Hillsborough and selected parts of east Hillsborough.

Its many diverse communities make campaigning a challenge, and the importance of name recognition will make incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis hard to defeat.

Democrats will give themselves the best chance to win in November by choosing the best known and most qualified Democrat in the race - former Plant City Mayor John Dicks.

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Dicks, as the national Democratic Party has recognized, has unique strengths.
He grew up in Plant City and worked in his father's hardware store.

"I share the values of the district," he says, and that is especially true in east Hillsborough.

As mayor he helped keep Plant City's taxes low despite growth pressures. He served on the board of trustees of Hillsborough Community College and so is well versed in education issues. And he has traveled the world as a lawyer and consultant, gaining an international perspective.

Dicks wants to lower gasoline prices by putting tighter limits on leveraged investments in oil futures. On immigration, he says undocumented immigrants should be fined and not be allowed to move toward citizenship until they learn English and American civics.

The outgoing Dicks has proven potential to be a strong leader and effective campaigner.


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