Adam Putnam Routs Scott Maddox on Sheriff Endorsements

The score 37-7 sounds like a lopsided football final, but it's actually how many sheriffs backed Adam Putnam over Scott Maddox -- though it may be more like 36-6, since one sheriff apparently wanted to hedge his bets and endorse both of them.

While leaders of the law enforcement community are not usually associated with Floridas race for agriculture and consumer services commissioner, they were on center stage Tuesday as rival candidates brought out endorsements from Florida sheriffs.

The leading Republican and Democratic candidates for Floridas next commissioner of agriculture and consumer services reeled in endorsements from sheriffs and law enforcement groups across the state on Tuesday. With around 250 officers working on fraud issues and agriculture stations, among other assignments, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does have a role in state law enforcement.

U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination, announced he had the backing of 37 sheriffs from across the state, including the sheriffs of Polk, Hillsborough and Duval counties.

Former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox, the leading Democratic candidate, presented his own endorsements from law enforcement with reality television show host Sheriff John Bunnell and seven Florida sheriffs, including Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and Wakulla County Sheriff David Hervey.

Both camps claim the support of Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith. Smiths office has not returned a message inquiring about who he is actually backing.