DESANTIS OUT, PUTNAM SPARS ALONE AT FORUM CLUB
WEST PALM BEACH — Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam repeatedly jabbed his Republican primary rival in the Florida governor’s race, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, for not attending a Forum Club of the Palm Beaches lunch on Monday and accused the frequent Fox News guest of trying to “run for governor from a D.C.-based studio.”
The Forum Club billed Monday’s event at the Kravis Center as a “Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Forum” and said both the Putnam and DeSantis campaigns initially agreed to the date. But DeSantis’ campaign cited a scheduling conflict last week and
said the congressman could not attend. DeSantis, R-Palm Coast, was attending private campaign events in Tampa, consultant Brad Herold said.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes, also is expected to enter the Republican race for governor.
Sharing the Forum Club stage Monday with only moderator Michael Williams of WPTV-Channel 5, Putnam was simultaneously folksy and wonky, showcasing his knowledge of the state and some of its lesser-known places and attractions.
Before Putnam appeared, the Forum Club honored former West Palm Beach Mayor Joel Daves with an “Exemplary Elected Official Award” and mentioned that Daves was once named “King Conch” by local fishermen.
“I have had the honor of being the grand marshal of the Swamp Cabbage parade in LaBelle,” Putnam said. “I have the distinction of being a champion sweet- corn shucker at the Sweet Corn Fiesta here in Palm Beach County. But I can only aspire to be King Conch.”
When a student from Glades Central High School asked him a question, Putnam knew the name of the school’s sports teams and said “Go Raiders!” before Putnam used the question answering. to poke again at the absent
Putnam was applauded DeSantis. three times by the crowd “I support t he First of 650 when he called for Amendment and I put myself expanding vocational and in positions with the media. technical education in Flor- I don’t duck the media. I ida schools. Williams asked have town hall meetings. I’m him more about it later open. I’m accessible. I underbefore saying time was run- stand that this is a full-conning short and he needed to tact sport. And if you can’t move to other topics. show up and answer tough
“Well, we’ve got twice as questions from members much time as we thought of the media, how are you we’d have,” Putnam said. going to lead the third-larg
On the issue of gun conest state in America?” Puttrol, school safety and the nam said.
Marjory Stoneman DougPutnam praised Trump’s las High School massacre, stance on trade, saying it Putnam reiterated his oppo- would benefit Florida agrisition to a Florida bill that culture. Putnam, who has raises the age to purchase tried to appeal to Trump a gun to 21 from 18. supporters throughout the
“Let’s focus on keeping campaign, was asked about firearms out of the hands of Trump’s December tweet people who shouldn’t have that said DeSantis “would them rather than making the make a GREAT governor of debate about people who Florida.” have never had a problem Said Putnam: “I don’t at all and enjoy our outdoor begrudge him that. I think heritage in this country and he’s been supportive of responsibly exercising their the agenda in Washington Second Amendment rights,” and I’m focused on FlorPutnam said. ida. Washington’s not going
But he said he would to fix Florida’s problems. enforce the law now that And you can’t run for govGov. Rick Scott has signed it. ernor from a D.C.-based stu
Putnam said that he was dio. You better be willing to there to discuss the issue “in get out amongst the people depth. That’s more than can whose votes you’re asking be said for a lot of folks.” for and look them in the eye
When Williams asked and tell them your vision for about President Donald Florida.”
Trump’s criticism of the media and whether the First
Amendment was threatened,