Senator Darryl Rouson has endorsed both Charlie Crist and Ken Welch in the St. Petersburg mayoral race. Rouson announced his endorsement of Crist just hours after Welch announced Rouson’s endorsement for his reelection campaign.

Rouson’s Decision

Rouson wrote in an email, ‘I believe Charlie Crist meets the threshold to lead our city. Let me be clear that I’m not withdrawing my endorsement of my friend Ken Welch, but I believe that both Ken and Charlie should make it out of the primary, and that is why I’m adding an endorsement of Charlie Crist.’ Rouson has historically supported both candidates and believes they both have the qualities to make an outstanding mayor for St. Petersburg.

Welch’s campaign responded to Rouson’s announcement, saying, ‘We appreciate Senator Rouson’s longstanding support for Mayor Ken Welch and his recognition of the results this administration has delivered for the people of St. Petersburg.’ Political consultant Barry Edwards believes Rouson’s decision to endorse both candidates is not a sign of duplicity but of even-mindedness, allowing voters to decide between the two prominent contenders.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.