While he didn’t wear the garb (he should have) others wore to commemorate the 451st anniversary of “the first muster of citizen-soldiers in the continental U.S.,” Florida’s Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam took another step forward in his all-but imminent run for Governor when he visited the St. Francis barracks in St. Augustine.
And this:Proud to celebrate the @FLGuard & 451st anniversary of the 1st muster of citizen-soldiers in the continental U.S. pic.twitter.com/eoRt8kQQfN
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Completing this poll grants you access to Shark Tank updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) September 16, 2016
Touring the St. Francis Barracks museum before the @FLGuard’s 451st-anniversary celebration of the first muster. pic.twitter.com/s8L2OI6hqN
— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) September 16, 2016
There is no secret that Putnam, who is term limited out in 2018, wants to be the next governor of Florida. Rick Scott, who finishes out his second term as governor, is eyeing the U.S. Senate in 2018, and will most likely support Putnam’s gubernatorial candidacy.
Even though he will have explain himself to many grassroots activists over several not-so-conservative bills and issues he supported during his 10 years stint in the U.S. Congress, anyone looking to primary challenge Putnam is in for an uphill swim up the Suwannee River in North Florida.
The popular and likeable AG commissioner has just about locked up all the establishment Republican and high dollar donor support, as well as the federal donor support he developed as a former member of Congress.What is worse for anyone thinking about going mano-a-mano with Putnam in 2018, is his unprecedented name recognition.
For God’s sake, Putnam’s name is plastered on every single gas pump around the state!
So what exactly does Putnam’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services actually do?
Well, according to them, they do a whole lot.
- We protect Florida’s livestock, honey bees and crop plants from pests and diseases.
- We promote Florida’s 300 agricultural commodities across America and around the world.
- We help farmers implement best management practices to conserve water and prevent water pollution.
- We assist businesses and residents in the safe and proper use of pesticides.
- We manage over a million acres of state forest land for multiple uses, including timber, wildlife habitat and recreation.
- We fight wildfires to protect lives and property.
- Through regulation and mediation, we safeguard consumers from unlawful and deceptive business practices.
- We’re the state’s clearinghouse for consumer concerns. Our call center analysts answer questions, provide information and help resolve complaints.
- We assist Florida’s schools in serving more than a million healthful meals each day, providing our students with the sustenance they need to succeed.
- We inspect grocery stores and convenience stores for cleanliness and safety.
- As Florida’s lead agency for food safety, we analyze more than 15,000 food samples each year. Our scientists test for toxins, allergens, chemical contaminants, pesticide residues, food additives and fraudulent formulations.
Yes, the 2016 general election is still about a month and a half away, so is it too early to be talking about 2018?
Nope.
Rick Scott already landed a body blow to his 2018 Democratic senatorial opponent, Senator Bill Nelson, so let the games begin.
Expect Putnam to make a hard press for 2018 early next year. Again, the only thing that could pose to be a political roadblock for him will be his past congressional voting record.
Floridians, like most Americans, did not approve of the 2008 bailout, or the “Cash for Clunkers” initiative.I almost forgot. Putnam was one of two members of Congress that were with President George W. Bush during attacks of 9/11, and was on Air Force One that morning.
