Signs for Florida candidate defaced with Nazi symbol

“As Governor, I will never be held hostage to hatred, or bigotry, or intolerance,” Philip Levine wrote.

By SKYLER SWISHER/SUN SENTINEL
Updated: AUGUST 28, 2018 10:47
Philip Levine, one of two Jewish candidates in the Democratic race for governor in St. Petersburg, Fla. (August 28, 2018). (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Philip Levine, one of two Jewish candidates in the Democratic race for governor in St. Petersburg, Fla. (August 28, 2018).
(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
(TNS) — Someone painted swastikas on Philip Levine’s campaign signs in St. Petersburg, Fla., prompting candidates in the Democratic race for governor to condemn antisemitism a day before the primary election.
Levine, one of two Jewish candidates in the race, posted on Twitter a photo of the signs defaced with the Nazi symbol, urging candidates to condemn bigotry.
“As Governor, I will never be held hostage to hatred, or bigotry, or intolerance,” Levine wrote. “Never. All candidates should speak out against this intolerable behavior. We are better than the haters, bigger than the bigots, and tomorrow we will show them why.”
Christian Ulvert, a senior adviser for the Levine campaign, said he hopes St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman will ask police to review the matter and see if any surveillance cameras captured the vandalism.
A St. Petersburg police spokeswoman could not be reached for comment Monday.
Levine’s Twitter post prompted the other four Democrats in the race to condemn the act. Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene, who is Jewish, called on Floridians to “reject” such behavior. Former US Rep. Gwen Graham and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum wrote they were “disgusted” to see Levine’s signs defaced. Winter Park businessman Chris King wrote “hate has no home in Florida.”
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