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Putnam’s push for alternative economic development concepts also comes at a time when Governor Rick Scott and Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala are battling House Speaker Richard Corcoran to continue supporting job creation efforts through Enterprise Florida tax incentives. Scott and Latvala strongly support continued tax breaks for companies that relocate to Florida and create jobs. Not just any jobs, the program requires businesses to create jobs that provide higher wages than the existing mean salary of the region and only awards the tax breaks if and when the criteria are met.  Corcoran calls it corporate welfare.

Putnam, for his part, has stayed silent on the fight, aside from his comments in support of “rural economic development.”

An inspection of Putnam’s history in Congress reveals an established voting record in support of government incentive programs.  While in Congress, Putnam supported the TARP bailout, the Cash for Clunkers program, No Child Left Behind, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage, the “EESA” or 2008 Wall Street Bailout, as well as dozens of earmarks. His voting record also reveals his opposition to programs aimed at cutting the federal budget and a plan that would have put a stop to no-bid federal contracts.

While Putnam is proud of the Department of Agriculture issuing more than 1 million active concealed weapon permits, he has been silent on two controversial gun bills that are once again working their way through Florida’s upcoming legislative session.  One would allow the “open carry” of guns in Florida and the second would allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry guns on college campuses. We contacted Putnam’s office regarding his stance on these two bills, but have not yet received a response. During his time in Congress, Putnam received an A rating from the NRA (National Rifle Association).

With another Florida legislative session about to begin, and some big fights brewing over economic incentives, land deals, and gun control, it will be interesting to see how Putnam carries himself over the next few months.  Will he join the fray or focus on fundraising while his competitors roll in the mud?