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Rep. Putnam Running For Agriculture Commissioner

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By JENNIFER LEIGH | News Channel 8

Published: February 18, 2009

On the north steps of Polk County's historic courthouse in Bartow, U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam officially announced today that he is running for Florida's commissioner of agriculture.

He made his announcement at 10 a.m. in front of a crowd of more than 100 friends, family members and supporters. His parents, siblings, wife and four children were there, as was former state Rep. Dennis Ross, who has said he will run for Putnam's seat. Ross said he would make his formal announcement next Thursday.

There's been speculation about Putnam's political future since November when he stepped down as the third-most-powerful Republican in the House of Representatives.

Putnam said today that the commissioner of agriculture position is the job he's been preparing for all his life. Putnam is from Bartow, where his family grows citrus and raises cattle. Five generations of his family have farmed in Florida, and as a youngster he would show off livestock for the 4H Club.

Putnam, 34, was elected to the state House as a 22-year-old and won his congressional seat four years later. He serves on the Financial Services Committee and previously has served on the Agriculture Committee.

While he enjoys popularity in Florida's 12th District, Putnam is not well-known in other parts of the state. He said today that his biggest challenge in the race for commissioner of agriculture will be getting his name and message in front of Florida's 17 million residents. He said he realizes people have higher priorities right now than politics, citing employment and financial concerns. He said that's why he wanted to make the announcement about his candidacy early.

Charles Bronson, the Republican incumbent, is prohibited by law from seeking a third term as commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Two other Republicans have begun campaigns: former state Rep. Marty Bowen and state Sen. Carey Baker. So far, no Democrats have entered the race.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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