PUTNAM SAYS GOP MUST FIGHT COMPLACENCY

Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) spoke to a Republican club luncheon Wednesday in Lakeland, and admitted that his party will have a "very rough" election year and must battle complacency and scandals as it moves in to uncertain times.

According to the Lakeland Ledger story, Putnam told the gathering that it was important for the GOP to keep the governor's mansion in this fall's election.

"You cannot rebuild the party from the Senate. Even if (Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill) Nelson were to be re-elected, he cannot rebuild from Washington," Putnam said. "So it is hugely important that we retain the Governor's Mansion to keep the party strong."

Putnam also said that he believes that distant relative and congressional collegue Katherine Harris (R - Sarasota) will defeat incumbant Democratic senator Bill Nelson.

But with all of the accomplishes the congressman claimes have been made in Congress, his party and the legislative branch has suffered a black eye.

"This Abramoff mess does not help," Putnam said referring to the lobbyist who admitted to giving favors to officials for their help on his clients' issues. "And when (U.S. Rep.) Duke Cunningham (R - CA, who resigned) admitted his guilt, he personally let me down," Putnam said. "It is not hard to paint Congress as corrupt and (the scandals) are obviously going to set us back a little. (This) year is not going to be the year to roll out new programs.

An interesting quote from a congressman who accepted money from Abramoff. Only $500, much less than many others, but HAS HE RETURNED IT? NO!