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Putnam's Rival Banks On Crisis

By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: October 19, 2008

Eight-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam faces political newcomer Douglas Tudor in the race for District 12, a seat that serves most of Polk County and parts of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.

Putnam became the youngest member of Congress in 2000 when he was elected to the U.S. House at age 26. In November 2006, House Republicans elected Putnam chairman of the Republican Conference, making him the third-highest Republican in the chamber.

Tudor, a political newcomer, has struggled to generate money and fanfare since retiring in February from the Navy. Although he is perceived as a long shot against Putnam, he thinks the tide may turn in an election year when many voters are disappointed with the economy, the current administration and the war in Iraq.

He said Putnam's experience and political clout may not be enough to guarantee a landslide, or even keep his seat.

"Part of Adam's job as a member of the financial services committee is to oversee the nation's financial services sectors," Tudor said. "We are now watching Wall Street crumble."
ADAM PUTNAM
AGE: 34

EDUCATION: University of Florida, bachelor's degree in economics

FAMILY: Married, four children

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 12th Congressional District, 2000-present; Florida state representative, 1996-2000

WEB SITE: www.putnamfor congress.com

DOUGLAS TUDOR

AGE: 46

EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in government, University of Maryland University College; executive juris doctorate, Concord School of Law

FAMILY: Married, three children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Master Chief Petty Officer, Navy, retired in February

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

WEB SITE: www.teamtudor.org

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