Congressman Adam Putnam issued the following statement today upon learning of the death of former U.S. Sen. Paula Hawkins of Florida:

“Paula Hawkins was an historic and inspirational person.  While she made history as the only woman ever elected to the Senate from Florida, and the first in the nation to be elected to a full term in her own right, she was a champion for all Floridians.  She made a positive difference for millions of people.  I am saddened by the news of her passing and I my thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12^th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.