Fresh of his endorsement from popular Conservative talk radio show host, Mark Levin, Rep.Ron DeSantis continues his measured push towards a gubernatorial run for office in 2018.

“This guy is the real deal. He’s principled, he’s honorable, and he’s not your typical politician. He does what he says he’s going to do. And he’s very solid.”-Mark Levin

DeSantis has been mulling over a run for the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee for the past couple of months, opting not to run for Attorney General, a seat that many believe would be a much easier get than running in a contentious primary race against Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Putnam is without a doubt the early frontrunner with the name recognition and $10 million in the bank.

DeSantis has close to $3 million between his federal campaign account and a Super PAC supporting that is supporting him.

The 38-year-old would easily continue to win re-election in his very safe Republican-leaning congressional seat, but word on the street is that DeSantis wants to serve closer to home.

“I appreciate the encouragement I’ve received about the 2018 governor’s race…I’m considering how I can make difference and will decide my plans by the fall.”-Rep. Ron DeSantis (POLITICO)

But like most men, DeSantis has a weakness for two women. Aside from his wife Casey probably wanting her hubby to be home more, DeSantis is also a newly-minted and proud poppa to a baby girl.

I’m not saying Rep. DeSantis wants to increase his diaper duty watches, but I am sure that he would much rather represent Floridians closer to home, bottle and diaper duty and all.

But as other potential Republican gubernatorial candidates (Speaker Richard Corcoran) continue to consider their options in the 2018 election season, the stage for a true intra-party ideological cage match could already be set between Putnam and DeSantis

As one of the founding members of the influential House Freedom Caucus, DeSantis’ conservative bona fides are without question.

Putnam’s conservatism has been question over the years due to the votes he took while serving in the U.S. Congress.

Putnam has made a compelling case for his support of some very middle-of-the-road and some left-leaning legislation, like  “Cash for Clunkers” and the Wall Street “Bail Out.”

While he voted against President Obama’s dreaded 2009 “Stimulus Act,” Putnam left many conservative-minded Republicans scratching their heads when he began talking up the measure as being a positive job-creating endeavor.

Make no mistake about this. Putnam’s voting record will take centerstage during the GOP gubernatorial primary race.

But even with that all said. What wins elections is money. Lots of it, and Putnam has just that.

He Putnam can effectively tell his story and spin away any questionable votes, he wins. That’s just how politics works.

It’s still early to speculate who will win the Republican nomination for governor. Speaker Corcoran is still weighing his options, as is state Senator Jack Latvala.

For all we know, some highly respected and influential member of the media, who happens to reside in south Florida, might event decide to take a stab at a gubernatorial run.