By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER of THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
When Senator Nancy Detert decided this year to run for the Sarasota County Commission instead of seeking another term in Tallahassee, it opened up a seat that Republicans have long controlled.
And as the Aug. 30 primary approaches, five Republicans — including four current or former office-holders — are competing to replace Detert.
Former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson, House members Greg Steube and Ray Pilon, former House member Doug Holder, and businessman Rick Levine are competing in the GOP primary in Senate District 23, which includes all of Sarasota County and the western portion of Charlotte County. All are from Sarasota.