Putnam to run for Ag Commissioner

In a long-expected move, Congressman Adam Putnam has confirmed that he will run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010. Congressman Putnam told the Associated Press he will officially file tomorrow.

Mr. Putnam, 34, was elected to Congress from Florida’s 12th congressional district in 2000. From 2006-2008, Congressman Putnam served as Chair of the House Republican Conference, the third-highest leadership position among House Republicans. Prior to his service in Congress, Mr. Putnam served two terms in the Florida State House.

Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture heads the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. Charles Bronson, the current Commissioner, is term-limited out of office.

Mr. Putnam is thus far the first serious candidate to enter the race.