African American group protests Holzendorf's run for mayor

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- On Saturday, a group of people protested against Betty Holzendorf's run for mayor claiming she is dividing the African American community.Betty Holzendorf and Nat Glover are among the candidates running for mayor of Jacksonville. It's a chance for Jacksonville to elect it's first African American into office.Nat Glover is well-known from his years as sheriff and Betty Holzendorf is a former state senator. However, there are controversy and protests. Some are saying Holzendorf is dividing the African American community by taking votes away from Nat Glover, a candidate they see as the most likely of the two to win. On Saturday, a small group of people picketed and called for Holzendorf to drop out."We feel that that is an affront to the black community like it was devisive and vindictive," said Laurence Tunsill, wants Holzendorf to drop out of mayral race. These were harsh words for mayoral hopeful Betty Holzendorf. She joined the race for the chance to make history as the first black woman ever elected. However, that is not how opposition spokesperson Laurence Tunsill sees history being written. "This is the first time we've had a realistic opportunity to elect one of our own to the highest executive office in the city," said Laurence Tunsill. Holzendorf says she is also aware of that and it's one of the reasons why she joined the race. She says the picketers are the ones dividing the African American community."I would never allow anyone in my campaign to do what they are doing. That doesn't help this community, and it doesn't help the people of this community," said Betty Holzendorf, mayoral candidate. Tunsill and his group say if Holzendorf really wanted what was best, she would drop out and give Glover the African American vote."In order to elect an African American to the mayor's race, we cannot have two very viable candidates at the same time and Senator Holzendorf is very aware of that," said Laurence Tunsill.Holzendorf says her plan is to pull votes away from all the candidates - not just Nat Glover. The mayoral election in Duval County is on April 15th.