Putnam has little to fear from Democrat Thad Hamilton in November. But Putnams efforts this year are aimed at helping him down the road. Having been on the leadership in Congress, its unlikely that Putnam will look to get back to Washington by making a Senate bid in 2016 or 2018. Instead, he is more likely to set his sights on running for governor come 2018.
Only 40, Putnam could face a crowded field of other Republicans looking to make the same move, including the likes of Jeff Atwater and Will Weatherford. Buried on the undercard against Hamilton in 2014, Putnam needs to get some notice and all signs indicate that he is going all out to do just that.
Putnam released a new TV ad on Wednesday in which he plays up Floridas benefits and contrasts it with the federal government, a shot at the likes of President Barack Obama and Congress.
"Every day, Washington finds new ways to meddle with our dreams," Putnam says in the new spot. "And every day, as commissioner, I'm making sure they don't."
Not a bad message for conservatives and, with Congress being as popular as cockroaches, a nice way for Putnam to insist he is a Washington outsider despite spending a decade in Washington, even serving in the congressional leadership.
But even outside his new ad, Putnam looks to appeal to conservatives on other fronts. Teaming up with the Florida Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Putnam vocally expressed his opposition to Amendment 2 on medical marijuana, joining an increasingly loud collection of Republicans and conservatives who are against it.
On another front, Putnam has also been showing off his efforts to make obtaining a concealed weapons permit easier in Florida, using county tax collector offices to streamline the process. Thats a strong card for Putnam to play. Republicans and conservatives across the Sunshine State are pretty solidly behind Second Amendment rights. Putnam isnt hurting his future chances on that front.
Looking over his recent efforts, its clear Putnam is trying to use the opportunity of his re-election campaign to build for the future. While hell most likely blow out the underfunded Hamilton in November, Putnam needs to ensure conservatives and Republicans keep him in mind for the future. Putnams efforts on behalf of other Republicans, including Rick Scott, also help to do that. Even as he looks to score a big win in November, Putnams real goal is to build for the future.
Tallahassee-based political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.
