Carey Baker

Friends,

As some of my closest and most dedicated supporters, you deserve to hear this message from me first. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help you have given me in my campaign for the Commissioner of Agriculture seat. You’ve answered the calls, reached out to friends and helped make a difference in this race.

As with any campaign, you have to achieve certain objectives to set yourself up for victory. I had to prepare myself to wage a full-scale campaign that would give Floridians a chance to see what I had to offer them if elected Commissioner of Agriculture. This would not be an easy task in a big state like ours, but nothing ever worth pursuing is easy.

Unfortunately, I was unable to meet those goals. And so I was faced with a difficult decision, but ultimately a necessary one. With so many other challenges to address in our state, particularly in the Legislature, it would be wrong of me to continue a campaign when I have not met the goals I need to win. It’s time for me to choose where I am most prepared to help the people of Florida.

Today, I will be announcing my withdrawal from the Commissioner of Agriculture race. As Chairman of the General Government Appropriations Committee in the Florida Senate, I can be a voice for sound fiscal policies that will help bring jobs back to Florida and reduce the burden of wasteful government spending on small businesses and families. While I withdraw my candidacy with a heavy heart, I know that as a full-time Senator, I can continue to make a difference and make you proud.

Once again, thank you for your trust and support in this campaign. You’ve stood by me and have never let me down, and your efforts have helped move this campaign and bring a number of important issues to the debate over Florida’s future. I’m proud to have earned your friendship, and I hope to keep that trust as I finish out my term in the Senate.

Adam Putnam

This past Friday 27 Florida House members rejected the Republican Party principles of smaller government, less taxes and endorsed a big government Wilsonian Progressive Republican.  These Florida House of Representatives Members endorsed Adam Putnam for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Representative Tom Anderson; Representative Rachel V. Burgin; Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon; Representative Steve Crisafulli; Representative Marti Coley; Representative Faye Culp; Representative Christopher E. Dorworth; Representative Jim Frishe; Representative Rich Glorioso; Representative Tom Grady; Representative Denise Grimsley; Majority Leader Adam Hasner; Representative Doug Holder; Representative Ed Homan, M.D. ;Representative Mike Horner; Representative Matt Hudson; Representative Paige Kreegel; Representative Debbie Mayfield; Representative Seth McKeel; Representative Ralph Poppell; Representative Bill Proctor; Representative Ron Reagan; Representative Kenneth L. Roberson; Representative Kelli Stargel; Representative Baxter Troutman; Representative Will Weatherford; Representative Trudi Williams

Putnam currently a Congressman for the 12^th District of Florida represents exactly what the Tea Party protests have been against.  Putnam has voted for TARP (Bailout) Illegal Alien Amnesty Bill, Patriot Act,  Real ID, and the FDA  Food Control Bill.

Adam Putnam has and will increase Government Power and Government Spending.  He is a tool of the special interest.  Just a look at his campaign contributions will show you that he is being bought off by Monsato, US Sugar, Florida Phosphate and other huge corporations that get special favors from the State of Florida.

If you ask me I know 27 Members of the Florida House that should not be re-elected.  Putnam is on track to become a career politician.  If elected as Commissioner his plans would call for staying in the office for a term, then moving on to something else most likely the Gubernatorial and then Presidential Election.

If the citizens of Florida are true to the calls I have heard at Tea Parties calling for Smaller Government, Less Spending, More Individual Freedom & LIBERTY then dump Putnam.   Putnam will not serve the People of Florida.  He will serve himself and the special interests.

Carey Baker

Eustis, FL- In an effort to rescue millions of dollars of agriculture products placed at risk of loss from the hard freeze projected to occur tonight, Senator Carey Baker (R-20), Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, is calling on Governor Charlie Crist to declare a State of Emergency covering counties expected to be hit hardest by the unusually harsh winter temperatures sweeping the state.  In making this request, Senator Baker is joining efforts by Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson, who has recommended that a State of Emergency declaration include a 14 day lifting of regulations placing weight restrictions on trucks.

Unseasonably cold winter temperatures are placing much of Florida’s agricultural commodities at risk of loss. To make matters worse, state regulations restricting the amount of weight that a truck may haul on Florida’s roads could prevent agriculture producers from processing their crops quickly enough to salvage them from freeze related damage.

“These freezing temperatures have the potential to wipe out this year’s crops. As it stands now, the regulations placing weight restrictions on trucks would hamper efforts by producers to get their produce out of their fields. Governor Crist should act without delay to declare a State of Emergency and to temporarily rescind the weight restrictions so that Florida’s producers can save as much of their crop as is possible,” said Baker.

“Agriculture is Florida’s second largest industry. We must do everything we can to protect it. We should not let regulations designed to apply during good weather cause unnecessary losses when the weather turns bad.”

Carey Baker

Eustis, FL- Senator Carey Baker announced today that his candidacy for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been endorsed by the Florida Association of Professional Firefighters and the Florida State Fire Service Association.  Today’s announcement marks the latest in a string of endorsements Baker’s candidacy has earned from public safety personnel. In recent days, Senator Baker has also been endorsed by Florida’s Fraternal Order of Police and by the Police Benevolent Association.

“Earning the endorsement of Florida’s professional firefighters is a tremendous honor,” said Baker. “Over 24,000 Floridians serve their local communities as firefighters and emergency medical service personnel, and their status as ‘first responders’ underscores their willingness to serve as leaders. I am deeply appreciative of the fact that they have seen similar leadership qualities in me, and that they have endorsed my campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.”

In making the endorsement, Florida Association of Professional Firefighters President Bob Carver stated the following: “Carey Baker is a dedicated public servant, whose commitment to ensuring the safety of Floridians can be seen in both his legislative record and in his two decades of service with the Florida National Guard. Given his record, I am not surprised that his campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture continues to impress Florida’s public safety personnel. Florida’s firefighters will be there for Carey Baker on election day, just like Carey Baker has always been there for us.”

The Florida State Fire Service Association is comprised of the Forestry Firefighters from the Department of Agriculture. Their president, Rodney Durbin said the following about Senator Baker: “As a firefighter that works in the Department that the next Commissioner will lead, it’s clear to me that Senator Carey Baker is a proven leader and will be a great Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services.  Senator Baker is not just an advocate for firefighters and other public safety issues, but an advocate for the citizens of Florida.  Florida needs more public officials, like Senator Baker, that have their priorities in the right place and just do the right thing.”

Senator Carey Baker (SD-20) represents a district that includes portions of Marion, Sumter, Lake, Volusia and Seminole Counties. Baker is a candidate for the position of Commissioner of Agriculture and more information about Senator Baker may be found at his website: www.careybaker.com

Carey Baker

Eustis, FL.- Senator Carey Baker announced today that his candidacy for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Florida State Lodge (FOP).  In deciding to endorse Senator Baker, the FOP recognized not only Senator Baker’s “exceptional support for law enforcement issues and public safety” but also his 28 years of “service to our nation … including deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.”  In addition, Florida State Lodge President James Preston announced that Senator Baker has been named the Fraternal Order of Police’s “2009 Senator of the Year.”

“I am proud that my candidacy for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services has earned the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police,” said Baker. “The Fraternal Order of Police is an important advocate on behalf of professional law enforcement officers and receiving their ‘stamp of approval’ is a badge of honor for my campaign.  Today’s endorsement underscores my position as the premier champion of law enforcement and public safety issues in this race.”

In announcing the Baker endorsement, Florida State Lodge President James Preston praised Senator Baker’s legislative record.  “We have found your exceptional support for law enforcement issues and public safety remains strong and focused even as we all struggle with tough economic times,” said Preston. “I believe your leadership, knowledge and passion for ‘doing the right thing’ for Florida will continue at the Office of Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” Preston added.

Today’s announcement follows the recent announcement that Senator Baker had received the Police Benevolent Association’s “Law Enforcement Champion Award.”

Senator Carey Baker (SD-20) represents a district that includes portions of Marion, Sumter, Lake, Volusia and Seminole Counties. Baker is a candidate for the position of Commissioner of Agriculture and more information about Senator Baker may be found at his website: www.careybaker.com

Adam Putnam

Just because Destin has no agriculture doesn’t mean the Florida Agriculture Commissioner isn’t important to the city, Florida Congressman Adam Putnam says.

“The department, in addition to promoting agriculture, also regulates timeshares, autodealers, aquacultures and promotes Florida seafood,” Putnam, a Republican running for the state cabinet post, told The Log. “The commissioner of agriculture makes important decisions about sovereign submerged lands, energy — whether renewable or traditional, natural gas-fired or nuclear-fired power plants — food safety, which is important to everyone, water-resource issues and land use.”

Term limits will force current Commissioner Charles Bronson to step down in 2010. Putnam and state Sen. Carey Baker are competing for the Republican nomination; the Democratic candidates include former state Rep. Rick Minton, former Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch and former Tallahassee mayor and state Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox. The 2010 state primary will be Aug. 24.

Putnam arrived in Destin Tuesday to attend and address a Destin Rotary Club breakfast as Mayor Craig Barker’s guest.

Putnam said his background is perfect for the job: A fifth-generation Floridian and farmer with government experience in both Tallahassee and Washington “creates a unique set of qualifications.” He said the commissioner not only needs to understand agriculture but to have a vision for “water resources, food safety, renewable energy and land use that creates a vision for our state.”

Why shift from the U.S. Congress to the Florida Cabinet?

“There’s a couple of reasons,” Putnam said. “The first one is, I’m excited about the opportunity to focus exclusively on Florida issues. As one of four members of the cabinet, as opposed to 435 members of the house, it gives you an opportunity to implement change more quickly, and be held accountable for your own vision for the department, rather than round up 200 votes to pass a Mother’s Day resolution.”

Putnam’s campaign manager is Trey McCarley, son of former Okaloosa County Commisioner Karen Baker.

McCarley grew up in Fort Walton Beach, fishing and working in Destin for many years at Louisiana Lagniappe and Seascape resort. He has worked for Gov. Jeb Bush and the Republican Party and he has managed campaigns for former State Comptroller Bob Milligan and outgoing Ag commissioner Bronson.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Prominent environmental lobbyist Eric Draper is leaving the race for agriculture commissioner.

Pointing to his long-standing commitment as the state policy director for Audubon of Florida, Draper said Monday he had chosen to stay in that job instead of running for the Democratic nomination.

“Keeping our state staff and volunteer leaders focused on protecting the environment is very important to me and is ultimately important for all Floridians who want strong advocates for our environment,” Draper said. “We face serious challenges – from proposed coastal oil drilling to keeping Florida Forever and Everglades restoration going.”

A conservationist who pushed for land preservation, clean energy and clean water, Draper called for more cooperation between farmers, urban interests and environmentalists on water sharing and stronger control of invasive species during his brief campaign.

Although well known in Capitol circles, Draper lacked the statewide name recognition often needed in Florida to attract enough cash to fuel a successful campaign.

He is the second announced candidate to withdraw from the contest. Former state Rep. Marty Bowen, a Haines City citrus grower, announced in April she was abandoning her bid to win the Republican nomination to focus on business issues.

U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, a former state legislator from Bartow, and state Sen. Carey Baker are the GOP candidates still in the race. Putnam has built an early advantage raising money from special interest groups, unlike the Mount Dora gun shop owner.

Former Tallahassee mayor and state Democratic Party chairman Scott Maddox and former state Rep. Rick Minton of Fort Pierce are seeking the Democratic nomination. Maddox is making his third bid for statewide office.

The current commissioner of the agency formerly named the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is Republican Charles Bronson, who is precluded by Florida’s term limits law from seeking re-election a second time.

Bronson, the state’s 10th ag commissioner since the department’s creation in 1885, oversees an agency of 3,700 employees. They are responsible for a wide-ranging array of duties from inspecting gasoline pumps at service stations, controlling and eradicating pests as well as plant and animal disease, issuing concealed weapons licenses to qualified citizens and ensuring that the food supply is safe.

Florida voters will also be choosing a new governor, U.S. senator, attorney general and chief financial officer in the 2010 election cycle in addition to state legislators and local officials.

Carey Baker

Saying they are giving Floridians a chance to “fight back”, State Senator Carey Baker (R-Eustis) and State Representative Scott Plakon (R-Longwood) filed legislation yesterday to amend Florida’s Constitution to prohibit any law or rule from forcing people into a one size fits all, federally mandated health care system such as that being rushed through Congress. HJR 37 and the Senate companion legislation would preserve the freedom of our citizens to choose the kind of care they want or need.

“Today, we’re drawing the line in the sand. It is bad enough that our federal government wants to choose your doctor and ration your treatment,” Baker said. “But to do so virtually in secret and in such a rush proves that the goal is not to get better health care but to get socialized health care. Congress’ plan even penalizes people that want to pay for their own lawful health care services. That’s just wrong.”

“The federal government and its bureaucracies dictating who, when and what kind of treatment you receive is not reform at all,” said Representative Plakon. “Senator Baker and I feel it is our duty to step up and reassert the rights of Floridians, in this case protecting our citizens’ rights and freedoms to make appropriate decisions as it relates to their own health care. We believe this unprecedented power-grab by President Obama and Congress is clearly not in the best interests of the citizens of Florida.”

Plakon added historical context to this important legislation, pointing out that in 1787, Dr. Benjamin Rush, America’s foremost respected physician of his time, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, worked diligently to have the protection of “medical freedom” as a key addition to the US Constitution. Dr. Rush warned that medicine could become “an undercover dictatorship and force people who wish doctors and treatment of their own choice to submit to only what the dictating outfit offers.”

Baker and Plakon agreed that America’s health care system provides the most advanced health care opportunities in the world and that totally dismantling it is a dangerous step backwards. They went on to say that the fear of the federal government rationing care is a very real consequence of the legislation Congress is trying to ram through. Both said that efforts to improve health care access and affordability are important, but that the starting point in those efforts must start with protecting people’s freedom in choosing doctors, treatments and insurance options.

To amend Florida’s Constitution, the Florida House and Senate must pass the referendum language in next year’s legislative session with a super majority (3/5) voting in favor. Then the measure goes before the voters in the 2010 November general election and must pass with at least 60% voting in favor.
ABOUT CAREY BAKER: Senator Carey Baker has served in the Florida Army National Guard for over 28 years. Most recently, he was deployed for a year in Iraq’s Sunni Triangle during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Carey is also the owner of the nation’s oldest continuously operating gun shop, the A.W. Peterson Gun Shop in Mount Dora, Florida.

Carey currently represents Florida’s 20th District in the State Senate, which includes parts of Lake, Marion, Volusia, Seminole and Sumter Counties. He has announced his candidacy for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (www.careybaker.com), a position that oversees the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and is one of four statewide elected members of the Florida Cabinet.

Congressman Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, seeking the Republican nomination Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, speaks at a Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce breakfast on July 2.