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 sheriffs from around the state.
The leading Republican and Democratic candidates to be Floridas next commissioner of agriculture and consumer services reeled in endorsements from sheriffs and law enforcement groups. With around 250 officers working on fraud issues and agriculture stations and other assignments, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a role in state law enforcement.
U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination, announced that he had the backing of 37 sheriffs from across the state.
I'm proud to join my colleagues from over half of Florida's 67 counties, and agencies large and small, who have endorsed Adam Putnam to be our next commissioner of agriculture, said Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County.
I look forward to a strong partnership with Floridas law enforcement officials as we work together in protecting consumers, Florida agriculture and the environment, said Putnam.
Putnam was also backed by Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti, Duval County Sheriff John Rutherford, Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight and Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson.
Former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox, the leading Democratic candidate in the race, 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.
When most people think of crime, they think of street crime, said Bunnell. Yet Florida leads the nation when it comes to fraud, and to fraud victims sometimes the fallout is devastating. Scott Maddox has consistently fought to protect Floridians as mayor and president of the Florida League of Cities.
Maddox also won the endorsement of the Florida State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police for the primary.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services plays a vital role in law enforcement and ensuring the safety of our citizens, said Maddox. I am honored to have the endorsement and support of these outstanding law enforcement leaders, and will continue to work with them to protect Floridas consumers.
The Florida Police Benevolent Association, an organization representing 36,000 Floridians, endorsed Putnam last week.
Adam has the real-life experience, knowledge and commitment to serve us well as commissioner and as a member of the Florida Cabinet, said PBA President John Rivera. He is our unanimous choice.
PBA is a highly respected organization that represents the best interests of those who serve and protect in our great state, said Putnam. I look forward to working with them throughout our campaign and while serving as commissioner of agriculture.
Charlie Maddox, Scotts father, who was a police officer in Miami-Dade, led the Florida PBA from 1972 until 1994 when he was voted out. Since that time, there has been bad blood between the association and the Maddox family, and the PBA opposed Scott Maddox in his unsuccessful bids for the Democratic nominations for attorney general and governor.
Asked about the PBA backing Putnam, Scott Maddox made it clear that he thought it was all about the feud between the association and his father. Its because they dont like my dad, said Maddox. Thats been reported widely.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859
