Over the past couple of weeks at least three local leaders, including a city councilman and a retired judge, have removed their endorsements for Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Jared Smith, who is running for reelection in Group 37. The removal of endorsements come after Smith was found to have abused his discretion as a judge in trying to deny a 17-year-old an abortion earlier this year. And this month, he's been accused of potentially violating judicial ethics during his campaign. Tampa City Councilman Joe Citro pulled his endorsement, he confirmed to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay today.
Over the past couple of weeks at least three local leaders, including a city councilman and a retired judge, have removed their endorsements for Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Jared Smith, who is running for reelection in Group 37. The removal of endorsements come after Smith was found to have abused his discretion as a judge in trying to deny a 17-year-old an abortion earlier this year. And this month, he's been accused of potentially violating judicial ethics during his campaign. Tampa City Councilman Joe Citro pulled his endorsement, he confirmed to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay today.