Rick Minton Withdraws, Leaving Maddox with Dem Agriculture Nomination

Former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox has a clear shot at the Democratic nomination to be the next commissioner of agriculture and consumer services. With Thad Hamilton leaving the primary to run as an independent and former Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch pulling out Thursday to back Maddox, former Rep. Rick Minton ended his bid today.

We decided it wasnt in the cards, said Minton. Minton said he was encouraged to make the run, but the dynamics were changed when Maddox entered the race. It kind of sucked the oxygen out of the room.

Maddox faces Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam in November.