Robert Blackmon rescinds Vince Nowicki endorsement, backs David Leatherwood in Pinellas Commission race

Former St. Petersburg City Council member Robert Blackmon has rescinded his endorsement for Vince Nowicki and is instead backing David Leatherwood.

Nowicki and Leatherwood are facing each other in the GOP Primary for District 1. The winner will take on incumbent Democrat Charlie Justice.

Blackmon first endorsed Nowicki last July, long before Leatherwood had entered the race. Nowicki was, at the time, the only Republican candidate running. Leatherwood entered the race last month, just ahead of the qualifying deadline, setting up a Primary for Nowicki.

Blackmon said he shifted support after becoming disenchanted with negative campaigning against Leatherwood, who is gay.

– Janelle Irwin, Florida Politics