Ron DeSantis is one of my favorite members of Congress; he’s an unapologetic 100% conservative with the ability to communicate his message eloquently and with ample electoral experience. He has been elected in districts that are competitive at the national level, and I think that he would have an excellent chance—as good as Putnam’s, IMHO—of being elected governor should he win the GOP nomination. Putnam has higher name ID and more establishment support, but DeSantis has enough time to win the undecideds and nab the nomination. I wouldn’t have a problem with Putnam as the GOP gubernatorial nominee, but I’d much rather have DeSantis. I hope that President Trump’s endorsement gets DeSantis over the hump.
I’ve tended to like ‘em both. Putnam has won statewide, of course. DeSantis hasn’t, so that’s one in Putnam’s favor. Unfortunately, I’ve heard FL residents say Putnam is a puppet of Big Sugar, and that’s worrisome. I probably lean more DeSantis’s way as a result.
I might even make the recommendation, for the purpose of healing, that whichever gentleman wins, they select the other for their running mate. A good, strong ticket.