By Jodie Tillman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
LAND O'LAKES — One-time state House candidate Ron Rice is poised to become the new chairman of the Pasco Democratic Party.
Rice, now a state committeeman, was the only candidate to file papers by the deadline. He will replace Alison Berke Morano, the two-term chairwoman who has faced criticism from several local Democrats over the party's November performance in Pasco.
"When it came down to the fact that Alison decided not to run again, I said, 'Well I can step in there and really make a difference," said Rice, 42, who lives near New Port Richey. "I think Alison was a good chair … I just hope to carry it on and keep moving forward."
Morano got a promotion at the state level from Florida Democratic Chairman Rod Smith, who has appointed her as one of four vice chairmen. She ...
