SARASOTA, Fla. -- President Trump's influence with the Republican base is shaping the Primary Election in Florida.
- Trump a key influencer in FL Republican Primary
- Trump visiting Tampa to endorse Congressman Ron Desantis
- Ag. Commissioner Adam Putnam running against Desantis
His endorsement of Congressman Ron Desantis in the race for the Republican nomination for governor is giving Desantis the edge.
"Donald Trump is the leader of the party and his endorsement goes a long way," said State Representative Joe Gruters, who chaired Trump's 2016 campaign in Florida. "I think the fact that he is coming to Tampa to make that endorsement in person for Desantis goes a long way. I think it has put him in the lead and may be the end of the game in this race."
The president's influence was on display at Sarasota Republican Party Rally and Straw Poll on Saturday.
Trump 2020 buttons and signs filled Robarts Arena. Make America Great hats were proudly on display by Republican voters who came out to meet the candidates and listen to stump speeches.
Ag. Commissioner Adam Putnam is running against Congressman Desantis. Even though Putnam didn't get the President's backing, there were no signs of sour grapes as he addressed the crowd.
"I support President Trump," said Putnam. "I support the President’s policies."
As for polls that show Desantis with a clear lead in the race, Putnam reminded voters not to count him out yet.
"I feel very good about this campaign. We had 350 people in Live Oak, Florida a couple of nights ago. It reminds me a lot of 2016 when all the polls said Hilary Clinton was gonna win, but the candidate with the strongest grass roots support ended up winning," said Putnam.
The primary election is August 28th.