Bartow - Adam Putnam, Republican candidate for Florida's 12th Congressional District, has received endorsements in his bid to succeed Congressman Charles Canady by the four largest law enforcement organizations in the country. The four organizations to endorse Putnam were the Fraternal Order of Police, the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association.

The endorsements were bestowed upon Putnam due to his work on criminal justice issues during his two terms in the Florida Legislature. The Law Enforcement Alliance of America stated in its endorsement letter, "Because of your commitment to effective law enforcement, meaningful criminal justice reform, and protecting individuals' rights, the 65,000 members and supporters of the LEAA strongly endorse your candidacy for the United States Congress."

"The safety of our citizens is paramount if our society is to succeed and prosper," said Putnam. "It only makes sense to support both our men and women in blue and our justice system and give them the resources they need to protect all Americans. I am deeply honored to receive these endorsements and look forward to continuing to work to keep our families safe," Putnam concluded.

As State Representative, Putnam sponsored major crime legislation in his first term. He restored justice to victims' families by slashing parole opportunities for prisoners by 60% and worked to make Florida's streets safer by passing the Prisoner Releasee Reoffender Punishment Act, which mandates the maximum penalty for violent repeat offenders.

Adam Putnam, a Republican, was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1996. He has served as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee since 1998. Putnam, a native of Bartow, is a graduate of Bartow High School and the University of Florida. A fifth-generation Floridian, Putnam also works in the family citrus and cattle business. Adam and his wife Melissa, a teacher in the Polk County public school system, reside in Bartow.

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