Baker withdraws from state Agriculture Commissioner

State Sen. Carey Baker, the Iraqi war veteran who tried to grab the conservative mantle in the Republican primary contest for agriculture commissioner, dropped out of the race Friday.

Baker, a gun shop owner from Eustis in Lake County, has now left the Republican nomination open to U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow. Baker said in a press release that he had failed to reach the goals he felt he needed to be competitive.

"As with any campaign, you have to achieve certain objectives to set yourself up for victory ...Unfortunately I was unable to meet those goals," Baker said. He could not be reached for comment.

Putnam said Friday he wanted Baker's support but hadn't talked to his former opponent yet.

"Certainly he's a great senator and was a great candidate," Putnam said. "I hope to earn his support because he clearly has a base of support that's important to our cause as well."

Baker's withdrawal leaves Putman as the sole Republican in the race. Democrats Thaddeus "Thad" Hamilton, Randy Hatch, Scott Maddox and O.R. "Rick" Minton are running for the post along with James Harlin Carter of the Real Food Party of the USA.

Baker raised a respectable $495,471 in campaign contributions, but was far behind Putnam's $1.2 million. Putnam is a Polk County native from a prominent citrus and cattle ranching family. He enjoyed wide support in the agricultural community, a vital block of votes and financial backing for anyone who aspires to be agriculture commissioner, one of four cabinet posts.

Putnam was a rising star in the House Republican caucus when he decided a year ago to leave Congress and seek the agriculture post. Baker, who entered the race in 2007, tried to position himself to the right of Putnam. He cited the congressman's support of the federal bailout for troubled banks and the Cash for Clunkers program that offered government cash incentives for car owners to trade in gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient cars.

"I'm the true conservative in this race," Baker said in November. "Congressman Putman had an opportunity to stand up for those values and he has failed to do so."

The attacks fizzled against Putnam, who has high ratings from such conservative groups as the National Rifle Association and Right to Life.

Baker said he now wants to concentrate on his chairmanship of the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

"I can be a voice for sound fiscal policies that will bring jobs back to Florida and reduce the burden of wasteful government spending on small businesses and families," he said in the release.

A longtime member of the Florida Army National Guard, Baker participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.