Local political editor drools over our GOP congressman’s ties to Hastert. Does he not read the papers or the internet at all?
In our present corrupt environment, it will take a long time for it all to stick. However I wonder since Hastert’s name has been out a lot in the news this week on the topic…just how proud Congressman Putnam is of their involvement. Here is today’s praise of our Opie
from our supposedly neutral political editor:
Now 31, Putnam is in his third term in the House and is a member of the powerful House Rules Committee, one of the youngest ever to serve on that committee.
But it may not be as important on what he serves as it is with whom he serves.
Putnam has become close friends with and a close working colleague of Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, according to local friends as well as observers in Washington, who spoke not for attribution.
Hastert and Putnam, along with a few other members, went on an Alaskan fishing trip this summer and the speaker has been a guest at Putnam’s ranch in Polk County more than once.
Putnam has gone on trips in which the invitation to members of Congress were specifically issued by the speaker. There have been congressional trips to England and to Russia along with other fact-finding missions
Adam “Opie” Putnam
There is one problem with his running for governor on schedule Mr Rufty says….he has become way too important in congress at age 31.
“Why would he want to step down in status?” asked a congressional aide who has followed the careers of several members of Congress. “He is on the way up the ladder over there (the Capitol) and he is more powerful and can do more right now in this city.”
Hastert appears to have become stronger in his post.
Another article from our political editor in January, singing songs of praise for this guy who voted with the Bush agenda 100% of the time.
He Could be Anything he wants
Recently appointed to the powerful House Rules Committee by House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Putnam’s status in Congress is growing at the same time Republican strategists in Florida are predicting Putnam will have more options back in the Sunshine State.
“He could look at anything — governor or U.S. senator — and I don’t think it would be too soon in 2006,” said Charles E. Canady of Lakeland, the venerable campaign specialist. “Age? He has removed that question time and again, and I don’t think it is an issue. It would be if he did not have the experience that he has now, but he is well ahead of many people who are much older.”
Canady went to the University of Florida in 1995 to speak with then 21-year-old college student Putnam, who was contemplating a run for the state Legislature against Democratic incumbent Dean Saunders of Lakeland. “I could tell at the time that he had a great desire for public service. I still see that fire burning,” Canady said.
Adam Putnam in an orange grove.
However since Denny Hastert has been getting some bad press, did our political editor maybe not do him a real favor? Maybe he is just not up on the latest political news. Here is a little bit about what Denny Hastert is facing.
Hastert’s late payment for fundraiser
House Speaker Rep. Dennis Hastert Caught In Lobbyist Abramoff’s Scandal?…
Lobbyist scandal
GOP letter to Norton came after Abramoff sent checks
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Letter to Norton
Where McCain Fears to Tread
McCain fears to tread.
He also was
written up in Vanity Fair, which I have a copy of, for supposedly accepting
bribes from Turkish officials. It was well-covered by Democracy Now.
Bribery by Turkish officials
Not so sure our sweet little Opie guy would like the timing of this very much. Sorry if my contempt shows about him, but it is well-deserved. Our political editor won’t even put our DFA meetings in the paper, he simply refuses to do so. Seems like he is getting the closed mind syndrome….or has had it.
