What They Are Saying: “Gutless” Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Side With the Gun Lobby Over Young Voters

As tens of thousands of Floridians took to the streets this weekend to demand #NeverAgain, the Republican gubernatorial candidates were silent. It’s just the latest sign that Ron DeSantis, Adam Putnam and likely candidate Richard Corcoran are deeply out-of-touch with voters — and taking pro-NRA positions that Floridians do not support and will be toxic in the general election. 

As NBC 2 Fort Myer’s Dave Elias reported, Putnam is now sinking in the polls and “some young voters are blaming that on his stance with the NRA” and calling his gun comments “political suicide.” Putnam’s not the only candidate who took an extreme stance on gun violence prevention. DeSantis continues to oppose any form of gun violence prevention at both the state and federal level. And Richard Corcoran is desperately trying to get back in the good graces of the NRA by opposing an assault weapons ban and a CRC proposal to make Florida’s gun violence prevention measures permanent.

THE REPUBLICAN FIELD:

• Florida Politics: Joe Henderson: Some GOP leaders dancing around gun issue
• Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Political Insider: No escaping gun debate this year
• Tallahassee Democrat: Putnam, DeSantis slammed for opposing new gun law; both say restrictions unconstitutional
• News Service of Florida: DEUTCH, MOSKOWITZ BLAST PUTNAM, DESANTIS ON GUNS
• WGCU News: Parkland Politicians Call Out Republican Gubernatorial Candidates, Republicans Respond
• Tampa Bay Times: Rep. Jared Moskowitz challenges Ron DeSantis, Adam Putnam to debate on guns

ADAM PUTNAM:

• NBC 2 [Fort Myers]: Governor candidate drops in early polls after siding with NRA on gun control
• Newsweek: REPUBLICAN FLORIDA GOVERNOR CANDIDATE SIDED WITH NRA, THEN DROPPED IN POLLS
• The Hill: Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate dips in polls after supporting NRA

RICHARD CORCORAN:

• Orlando Sentinel: Facing NRA heat, Corcoran slams assault weapons ban
• Creative Loafing Tampa: Richard Corcoran wants the NRA to take him back

Palm Beach Post: Editorial: Taking the gutless route on a gun-safety amendment