Putnam, Maddox battle for Florida agriculture commissioner

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Congressman Adam Putnam and former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox are both considered rising stars in their parties, which is why the race for Florida agriculture commissioner could have long-term political effects.

Tuesday’s winner will head the powerful agriculture and consumer services department. The job involves overseeing food safety, helping farmers produce and promote their crops, managing public lands, reducing wildfires and regulating consumer services.

Putnam is the Republican candidate. He is leaving after five terms in Congress to run for statewide office for the first time.

Maddox was the state Democratic Party chairman in the mid-2000s and briefly ran for governor in 2005 before dropping out.

Tags: agribusiness, politics, florida, farm, agriculture