Adam Putnam may be the only major Republican candidate to declare he’s running for Florida governor -- so far -- but the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has decided it isn’t waiting for any more challengers to join the field. On Thursday, ABC endorsed Putnam for governor.
ABC of Florida, which represents 50,000 jobs for Floridians and 2,500 businesses statewide, calls itself a “champion of conservative values” and “free market policies.”
Putnam, the group says, represents those values -- ABC’s State Board voted unanimously at their annual state convention in Marco Island.
“It was a unanimous vote by their State Board to support the one leader they know is the right choice for the future of Florida,” the group wrote in a statement.
President of Breaking Ground Contracting and State Chair of ABC of Florida Mary Tappouni pushed the group’s confidence in Putnam as the possible leader of Florida in 2018.
“There’s no question that Adam Putnam is the right choice for Governor of Florida,” Tappouni said. “His conservative values and free market approach will ensure that every individual and every business has the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.”
Tappouni contended Putnam has what it takes to fight for Floridians and businesses since he “knows what it means” to run a small business. Tappouni also appeared confident the Agriculture Commissioner would work to ensure Florida has a “well-trained workforce” to support a growing economy.
“He will fight for the Floridians who are sick and tired of government getting in the way of prosperity,” she said. “As the largest single provider of Apprenticeship Training in the state, acknowledging our skilled worker shortage is of critical importance to our association.”
Putnam’s team beamed over the endorsement, one of the campaign’s first since Putnam announced he would run for governor in May.
Putnam pledged his commitment to Florida businesses when reacting to ABC’s endorsement Thursday.
“These businesses, from the largest corporations headquartered in Florida to the smallest service contractor just starting out, are proof that Florida can be the launch pad for the American Dream,” Putnam said. “They’ve built the institutions of our state, shaped our skylines and provided stable, well-paying jobs to tens of thousands of Floridians.”
Putnam said he was “proud” to have ABC of Florida on his team in his quest to become the state’s next governor.
“I want every Floridian to have the same opportunity to find their version of the American Dream right here in Florida,” Putnam said.
Though he’s currently the only major GOP candidate in the governor’s race at the present moment, Putnam shouldn’t expect to ride solo for much longer.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran is also rumored to be contemplating a gubernatorial bid and state Sen. Jack Latvala will be make an announcement on his run next month.
On the Democrat side, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and Orlando businessman Chris King have all already declared their candidacies.
The election will be held next year.
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