Voters Turning Out for 'Important Race'

Voters are arriving in waves at the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex this morning to cast their ballots in the Republican Presidential Primary.

There was the 7 a.m. rush, then between 10 and 20 trickled in every half hour or so, Elections Deputy Steve Terell said.

"It's still pretty steady, even with the early voting," Terell said.

The Land O' Recreation Complex is "one of the biggest precincts in the area," Terell said.

David Lloyd said he voted for Mitt Romney.

"I've done my research," Lloyd said.

Bryan Clayborne said he voted for Newt Gingrich.

"He stands for what I believe," Clayborne said.

Clayborne said he likes Rick Santorum, but feels Santorum doesn't have the backing. He had to choose between Gingrich and Romney—the two "machines," he said.

Kelly Teegardin said she voted for Mitt Romney, who "tends to be a little more moderate," she said.

"I think it's an important race," Teegardin said.

Kevin Sakser of Land O' Lakes was outside the precinct early, waving a sign and asking voters as they went in to cast their vote for Newt Gingrich.

"He's the only person (on the ballot) that's watched over a balanced budget with mixed parties in control, so he knows how to come to agreements without giving up his principles," Sakser said.

If he needs to, Gingrich does things like shutting down the government to get people's attention, Sakser said. "Somebody needs to do something."

And, Sakser added, "Romney's job creation record is dismal."

Volunteers are out greeting voters and collecting signatures for local politicians, as well.

Several off-duty Pasco County Sheriff's Office deputies are set up outside the precinct to gather signatures for Sheriff Nocco.

"We love the sheriff," Sgt. Larry Engle said.

Engle has been with the department for 23 years. And in that time, Nocco "is the best sheriff I've ever worked for," he said.