State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, is interested in running for sheriff of Pasco County in 2012. The 52-year-old lawmaker will be termed out of the Legislature next year and the sheriff's post will be up for grabs because of Sheriff Bob White's resignation.

"I'm always interested in serving the people of Pasco County," Fasano said. "I definitely would consider it, and I'll leave it at that."

Gov. Rick Scott will appoint White's successor until the 2012 election. A leading candidate for the interim post is Sheriff's Maj. Chris Nocco, a former chief of staff at the Florida Highway Patrol. Nocco's wife Bridget is a longtime political operative and has been a fundraiser for many Republican candidates, including Scott.

Steve Bousquet, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau