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Gun Safety Takes Center Stage in Race for Florida Governor

7.19.2018

It wasn’t long ago that Adam Putnam was hoping his record as a self-professed “proud NRA sellout” would propel him to the governor’s mansion. But, recently he’s been forced to walk back his support for the gun lobby amid growing public pressure for gun violence prevention policies and a slew of reports that his office has dangerously mismanaged the concealed weapons permitting process. As Politico reported yesterday, Putnam’s embrace of the NRA’s guns everywhere agenda has quickly turned into a campaign liability.

Earlier this week, it was no surprise to learn that Putnam and his primary opponent Ron DeSantis both received high marks from the NRA. On the other hand, a suite of candidates in the governor’s race have made their support for gun violence prevention policies a pillar of their campaigns, with some even touting their “F” ratings from the group.

In fact, every Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Florida has sought and received the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction after filling out a questionnaire about gun safety laws. This distinction – which is being featured on social media, on mailers and even in television advertisements – lets voters know these candidates pledge to stand up for gun safety if elected into office.

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidates aren’t alone. So far, more than 2,500 candidates for state and federal office have sought and received the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction. Candidates from both parties are now actively running on their gun violence prevention bonafides as they seek elected office because when American lives are on the line – their jobs are on the line.

For more information on gun safety in Florida or on the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction program, please don’t hesitate to reach out.