OPINION: Caught Again, but Adam Putnam just keeps Ignoring Florida Law.

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Following Tampa Bay’s ABC Action News’ illuminating coverage of Adam Putnam’s cover up of the Publix grocery stores food safety inspection failures, USA Herald Reporter Jeff Watterson revealed further information about the campaign contributions received by Putnam’s Florida Grown PAC that tie back to Publix. Watterson showed a link between additional contributions made by Publix to Putnam’s PAC even after the revelations of the removal of ratings critical of the grocery chain dealt the Agriculture Commissioner an embarrassing blow.

Watterson’s review showed either a direct link or a remarkable coincidence where Publix made substantial contributions to the Florida Retail Federation that ended upon Putnam’s PAC within a week of large checks being sent to FRF’s PAC. While this practice is not illegal, it’s interesting to note how big companies launder their contributions through industry PACs, so the intended donor/recipient link is never fully revealed or clear. This shell game does not, however, shed a favorable light on any of the coordinating participants.