Fire Rescue Employee Shows Support for Pasco's Republican Base

Dan Dede Jr., stood Tuesday with a friend amidst a display of support for Republican nominees for elected office.

The two had set up the display of campaign signs in the median in the parking lot at the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Center in Holiday, where the poll for precinct 42 is. It included a lot of Romney/Ryan support signs, some Protect Pasco signs and some signs in support of Connie Mack for senator.   

Dede is a 911 dispatcher for Pasco County Fire Rescue, and his father is a retired Pasco deputy. His friend John Lombardo lives in Hillsborough, but grew up in New Port Richey. Lombardo works as a corporate trainer for Tijuana Flats.

“We’re supporting the Republican base,” Dede said.

Dede criticized President Barack Obama’s handling of foreign affairs, such as the Benghazi situation, and domestic ones.

“He’s done nothing to stimulate the economy for small businesses,” he said.

He also talked about the sheriff’s race. Incumbent Sheriff Chris Nocco is running to keep his job as top cop. Kim Bogart, a former sheriff’s office captain and major, is running against him.

The governor of Florida appointed Nocco sheriff last year. Nocco’s wife is a lobbyist and Nocco is a former deputy chief of staff for then state House Speaker Marco Rubio.

Bogart’s main campaign thrust is “Public Safety, Not Politics.”

But Dede pointed to Nocco’s political pull as a boon.

“He’s brought a lot of attention to Pasco,” he said.

What's been the most memorable political display in support of any candidate or party you've seen today?