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Here’s who Florida newspaper editorial boards are recommending for governor

Many, including the Naples Daily News, the Fort Myers News-Press and the Tallahassee Democrat, haven't made recommendations in the governor's race.
 
Democratic gubernatorial candidates, from left, Andrew Gillum, Jeff Greene, Chris King, Philip Levine and Gwen Graham await the start of a debate ahead of the Democratic primary for governor, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) FLBA101
Democratic gubernatorial candidates, from left, Andrew Gillum, Jeff Greene, Chris King, Philip Levine and Gwen Graham await the start of a debate ahead of the Democratic primary for governor, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) FLBA101
Published Aug. 15, 2018|Updated Aug. 15, 2018

With less than two weeks until the Aug. 28 Florida gubernatorial primaries, editorial boards around the state have started to announce their recommendations.

Although many of the biggest news shops in Florida have said they won't be recommending candidates in the races, several have already made picks. Here's who the largest papers have suggested, followed by brief excerpts from the paper's editorial explaining the choices. The Democrats running are Chris King, Philip Levine, Jeff Greene, Andrew Gillum and Gwen Graham. On the GOP side, Adam Putnam and Ron DeSantis seek the nomination.

Note: Editorial boards are in almost all cases entirely separate from a paper's reporting shop. The boards follow the news, interview the candidates and form an institutional opinion — with which you may disagree.

Democratic Primary

South Florida Sun Sentinel: Jeff Greene

"Of the five Democrats on the Aug. 28 ballot, Greene is the game changer, not just because he promises to spend the money needed to ensure he and other Democrats win, but because he has the know-how, confidence and connections to get good things done…His main focus is public education, starting with early learning, which is so essential to long-term success."

Miami Herald: Philip Levine

"He will be an assertive and clear-eyed leader for South Florida. But, statewide, Floridians can have confidence that Levine will be their governor, too…As mayor, he pushed through an increase in the minimum wage, remade a tainted police department, hiring a new chief, installing body cameras on officer and revising the department's use-of-force policy that had led to the unjust targeting of minorities."

Palm Beach Post: Gwen Graham

"The Post endorses Graham for her principled, pragmatic approach that will be indispensable in working with a Republican-dominated Legislature to produce laws and policy that work for all Floridians. But as Graham, 55, proved during her term as a North Florida congresswoman, she is no shrinking violet…As important, however, for Democrats in November is the fact that Graham can win."

Tampa Bay Times: Gwen Graham 

"Graham and the other candidates in the Democratic primary are pitching similar themes…The key difference is that Graham takes the most practical approach. Instead of promising teachers $10,000 raises, she pledges to gradually raise salaries until they reach at least the national average. While other candidates want to legalize and tax recreational marijuana, Graham would decriminalize it but not fully legalize it. She has not made unrealistic promises other candidates have made…"

Republican Primary

South Florida Sun SentinelAdam Putnam

"Putnam has the statewide network needed to get people to the polls. He has a long and successful record in elective public office, including state office. He's well known and well liked, and he deserves to be the Republican nominee for governor."

Miami Herald: Ron DeSantis

"(President) Trump's endorsement of DeSantis clearly has resonated with Republican voters. They can vote with confidence that he will represent their interests. Should he make it to the general election, he will have to fill in his blanks — Floridians across the political spectrum will demand it — and, as with any candidate, determine how well he will represent Florida's interests."

Tampa Bay Times: Adam Putnam

"A candidate for governor of the nation's third-largest state should offer voters more than a flashy resume, predictable sound bites and an embrace from the president. Putnam has a deep understanding of Florida, a firm grasp of state issues and a vision for the future that DeSantis cannot match."