Florida's GOP gubernatorial primary candidates, State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, met on Thursday evening for the first major debate of the primary election.
Putnam opened the debate by "welcoming" DeSantis to Florida, who he criticized for spending more time in Washington than his home state.
"What an exciting time to be in front of a live audience of a thousand Florida Republicans," Putnam said. "It's completely different than a Washington, D.C., studio, and I just want to say, 'Welcome to Florida, congressman.'"
DeSantis defended himself, saying he was fulfilling his duty as a congressman by being in Washington.
"I'm running a Florida-first campaign," Putnam added, with a subliminal jab at DeSantis. "I care more about the schools in Washington County than what's going on in Washington, D.C."
The debate also touched on topics such as Russian collusion, immigration, the potential of a trade war, and shootings.
DeSantis said he believes Russia tried to do "cyberstuff" during the election but that there was no collusion between Russia and Trump's campaign. Putnam said Trump "would more than hold his own" in a summit with Russia's leader.
On immigration policy, DeSantis called Putnam weak, and Putnam responded that "Washington should do its job," noting that they have yet to pass an immigration bill.
__
President Donald Trump has endorsed DeSantis, but Putnam has raised more money and is leading in recent polls months ahead of the August primary.
Asked if he was prepared to endorse Trump in 2020, Putnam answered, "Most assuredly, and I look forward to campaigning with him as governor of Florida."