Putnam, DeSantis face off: 5 highlights from final Republican gubernatorial debate

Treasure Coast Newspapers

Republican gubernatorial candidates Ron DeSantis, left, and Adam Putnam, who debated Aug. 8, 2018, in Jacksonville, might have been Floridians top two candidates for governor that year had the state used the so-called “jungle primary” system. Approving proposed constitutional Amendment 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot would allow people of all parties to run in a state primary, with the top two regardless of party proceeding to the general election.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Rep. Ron DeSantis faced off for the final time Wednesday night during a Republican gubernatorial debate in Jacksonville.

Because of term limits, Republican Gov. Rick Scott cannot run for re-election. Instead, Scott is running for Democrat Bill Nelson's seat in the U.S. Senate.

Here are five highlights from Wednesday's debate.

1. On the algae crisis

Putnam, who said he understands Florida's environment better than DeSantis, supports increasing water storage north of Lake Okeechobee as well as pushing for the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the C-44 and C-43 reservoirs east and west of the Lake, which clean local water runoff.

More:Blue-green algae bloom in St. Lucie River 10 times too toxic to touch, DEP tests show

Bright-colored toxic blue-green algae swirls around the Central Marine boat basin on Monday, August 8, 2018, in Stuart. A sample taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from Central Marine on Aug. 2 shows the toxin microcystin at a rate of 110 parts per billion. The World Health Organization considers levels about 10 parts per billion to be hazardous.

Later, Putnam told DeSantis, “You couldn’t find Pahokee and Belle Glade and South Bay on a map," Putnam said. "What about those people? What about those communities? Do they not have a voice in this? Or is it only the people from the big cities that get to dictate this?”

DeSantis — who called Putnam an "errand boy" for Clewiston-based U.S. Sugar Corp. — supports "any approach" to stop the damage as well as ensuring water gets sent south to the Everglades and Florida Bay. He also said he supports septic-to-sewer projects but emphasized they shouldn't be the top priority.

More:Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg urges Senate to approve Everglades reservoir

More:Sugar industry aims to influence Florida governor's race with donations to Adam Putnam

2. ‘Seinfeld’ candidate vs. career politician

Putnam called DeSantis "the Seinfeld candidate" saying, “The campaign is being run out of a studio, they have a smattering of celebrity guest appearances, and it’s all about nothing. But, unlike Seinfeld, it’s not funny.”

DeSantis, on the other hand, called Putnam a career politician with close ties to special interests. “When he was in Washington, his career was a doozy,” DeSantis said. “Voting to bail out the Wall Street banks, voting for Cash for Clunkers, Obama's boondoggle program, voting to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That is not what we need in Florida, that record.”

More:During District 18 debate, candidates talk algae, economy and health care

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis speaks to reporters June 28, 2018, after a Florida Republican gubernatorial primary debate at the Republican Sunshine Summit in Kissimmee.

3. Is health care a right?

Neither Putnam nor DeSantis answered "yes" when asked if health care is a right for everyone.

DeSantis said people should have the right to pursue their own health care plans and Putnam said "health care is not a right for all."

Both oppose Medicare expansion and Obamacare.

4. Education and gun control

Putnam and DeSantis support charter schools and voucher programs as well as increasing vocational and technical programs. Both said teacher pay is a local school board decision, not for the Florida Legislature.

Both said they oppose raising to 21 the age when someone can buy a semi-automatic rifle.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam speaks July 24, 2018, during a meeting of the Christian Family Coalition Florida in Miami.

5. Who supports the candidates?

Most of Florida's Republican establishment is backing Putnam, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera.

DeSantis has support from multiple Florida congressmen, including Reps. Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast. Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., has campaigned with DeSantis.

More:Algae, Lake Okeechobee discharges solutions lie in science, not politics, enviros say

Maureen Kenyon is TCPalm's trends reporter, keeping Treasure Coast residents updated on hot topics and happenings. Do you have a story to tell? Want to start a conversation? Send an email to maureen.kenyon@tcpalm.com, call 772-221-4249 or follow her on Twitter @_MaureenKenyon_.