Baker drops out of race for agriculture commissioner

State Sen. Carey Baker withdrew from the Florida agriculture commissioner race Friday, saying his campaign didn't meet its initial goals.

Baker, a Republican from Eustis, faced an uphill battle in the GOP primary against frontrunner U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow.

Baker raised about $535,000 through 2009, while Putnam's haul topped $1.2 million, according to campaign finance reports.

In a letter to supporters, Baker said he planned to focus his energy on his final term in the Legislature, which ends in 2012.

It came time "to choose where I am most prepared to help the people of Florida," he wrote.

Putnam said he would seek Baker's support, calling him a "fine man and a dedicated public servant."