Victories show Democrats' progress
Three landslide victories in Venice show how far once-weak party has come
By JEREMY WALLACE
Democrats continue to chalk up surprising victories in Sarasota County, further eroding the area's reputation as a Republican stronghold.
On Tuesday, the Democratic tide rolled into the most unlikely of places: Venice.
While the nonpartisan race hinged heavily on the direction of growth and development, both parties say it was still significant that the winning candidates were all Democrats.
"The Democrats have a reason to crow," Sarasota Republican Party Chairman Eric Robinson said. "They won. The county is becoming more liberal."