abdrew_gillum_web.jpgTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum is dropping his effort to become the next Florida Democratic Party chairman.

Instead, Gillum will back former Sen. Rod Smith, who lost a gubernatorial campaign in 2006 and was on the losing ticket this year as Alex Sink's running mate.

Current Chair Karen Thurman announced last month she wouldn't seek another term.