Republicans Hold First Governor's Race Debate

Congressman Ron DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, both running to replace outgoing Florida Governor Rick Scott who is term-limited, took part in a debate that covered topics from bathroom bills, abortions and gun control in response to the Parkland shooting that took the lives of 17 students.

In the forum, Commissioner Putnam looked to cement his conservative views by doubling down on his christian faith and growing up with guns. He argued that he would sign a "heartbeat" bill, which would ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected. Also, he argued that he would move to take out of office any judges that are pro-choice.

On the other hand, DeSantis focused on welfare reform, saying that President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty has done more damage than good, and that it has only created an environment where people become dependent. In addition, he assured that there has to be "full welfare reform." When asked if food stamps are part of that vision, he commented that it "should be."

On the issue of guns, Putnam detailed that he believes "it's right to say to someone who's 20 years old that it's ok to go to Iraq and Afghanistan and defend freedom and defend liberty with your life but you can't go to a sporting goods store to buy a shotgun." This is in response to the new law passed that raises the minimum age for purchasing a firearm from 18 to 21.

As the midterm elections draw near, the long awaited announcement by Richard Corcoran still hangs in the air. If he does announce that he'll be throwing his hat in the ring to become the sunshine state's next Governor, it'll be interesting to see how that changes the landscape of the race.