While President Donald Trump tweet of support for Rep. Ron DeSantis’ potential gubernatorial made the political world take notice, the nod is not a full-fledged endorsement, but does it really matter?

Contrary to what his detractors will say, Trump’s popularity and influence is ‘yuge,” and his show of support or endorsement goes a very long way.

Trump’s tweet could have very well served as the soft-launch of the 2018 DeSantis gubernatorial campaign, and seems to be exactly what the junior congressman from Ponte Vedra, Florida appears to have done.

Shortly after Trump’s tweet, DeSantis pushed a press release titled, “President Trump Backs Ron DeSantis for Governor of Florida.

Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER!

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— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017

Heck, if I was mulling over a run of congress (as you all know, I am exploring the idea of running for congress in FL’s 22^nd congressional district) or other elected position, I would also do as DeSantis did.

“I’m grateful to have the president’s support and appreciate what he has done.”-Rep. Ron DeSantis (R)

If DeSantis makes it official (seems like it already is official) expect a swarm of congressional endorsement to line up behind his candidacy. DeSantis is part of the influential House Freedom Caucus and in speaking to several members of that group on my last trip to Washington, those members are ready to pull the trigger to help him out.

But even with a Trump endorsement, DeSantis will still have to contend with the statewide support and fundraising prowess of both Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Speaker Richard Corcoran in a Republican primary race.

All three men would serve Floridians well and help advance President Trump’s agenda, but who has the best chance of winning the GOP primary election?

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