A.G. Gancarski
For undecided Republican voters in Northeast Florida, this weekend will be a good time to get some grip and grin time with some of the gubernatorial candidates.
Friday evening sees Rep. Ron DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam with dueling events.
DeSantis will do a “Grand Ole Flag Day Meet and Greet” at 5:30 p.m., at Orange Park’s Club Continental.
Putnam will host a “Grassroots BBQ” at St. Augustine’s “Rod and Gun Club.”
In Duval? Don’t worry. You’ll have an opportunity for the Adam Putnam experience Saturday afternoon, when the candidate opens up his Victory Headquarters in a strip mall on Jacksonville’s Southside.
Putnam won’t linger in Dirty Duval for long on Saturday. He is slated to speak Saturday night in Green Cove Springs at the Clay County Flag Day Dinner.
Both candidates are attempting to shore up a key region for Republicans this weekend, though it’s clear that Putnam will have more time on the ground.
In terms of metrics, Putnam still holds serve over DeSantis statewide.
According to the most recent poll of the race, conducted by the Putnam-friendly Florida Chamber, Putnam is ahead 32 percent to 15 percent.
Putnam also has a nearly 3-1 advantage in fundraising, having raised $30 million plus compared to DeSantis’ relatively modest $10.8 million receipts.
Local endorsements, by and large, are still up for grabs in this one.
Will this weekend change that?
