Filings in June, however, reveal closely-matched revenue streams for both Putnam and Corcoran, having raised close to $2 million each for the month.
Putnam received a sizeable portion from U.S. Sugar and powerful Tallahassee lobbyists affiliated with the Associated Industries of Florida. Corcoran received large chunks from The Fountainbleau (a Miami Beach hotel which his brother Michael lobbies for) as well as from Reps. Jose Oliva and Chris Sprowls.
Contribution sources aren’t the only area where the two Florida Republicans differ.
Putnam, branded as the GOP establishment candidate, favors pro-growth and pro-business measures that will make Florida the “launch pad of the American Dream.” It’s an overall-positive message about cutting spending, keeping taxes low, and other items of the typical Republican playbook.
Corcoran’s niche, on the other hand, seems to be his hardline stance against corporate welfare and insider-influence on the state’s policies. His distrust of the legislator-turned-lobbyist revolving door in Tallahassee manifested itself in policies as well as rhetoric. Such policies include new rules for lobbyists, who were now required to disclose their clients as well as the bills and amendments they were hired to influence.
