THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 2, 2010
Congressman Adam Putnam’s win in the agriculture commissioner’s race Tuesday gave Republicans a sweep of the three Cabinet seats, though they await a razor-thin governor’s race to know whether the governor would also be on their side.
Putnam defeated Democrat Scott Maddox. With most precincts in the state reporting, Putnam had a comfortable lead with 2.7 million votes, 58 percent, to Maddox 1.7 million votes, or 37 percent.
Joining Putnam on the all-GOP Cabinet will be Attorney General Pam Bondi, who defeated Democrat Dan Gelber, and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, who beat Democrat Loranne Ausley. The Cabinet meets with the governor, who isn’t technically part of the body.
Agriculture is more than a traditional base of our economy, it is a vital and dynamic part of Florida’s bright future, Putnam said in a statement. Fostering these new employment opportunities, stewarding our state’s resources and protecting Floridians from those who would prey on them will by my daily focus.
Putnam, of Bartow, served five two-year terms in Congress representing most of Polk County and part of Hillsborough. While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, he became chairman of the Republican Conference, the chamber’s third highest Republican post.
Putnam was elected to the House in 2000 following a four-year stint in the Florida House, to which he was elected in 1996 at the age of 22.
A fifth generation Floridian, Putnam’s family runs citrus and cattle operations in Polk County.
He replaces Charlie Bronson, a Republican, who is retiring.