Florida: Corcoran preparing for Gov. bid? Republican state House Speaker Richard Corcoran hasn’t officially announced his candidacy for Governor, but he appears to be laying the foundation for a run in next year’s race. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam appears to be the early frontrunner. North Carolina: Gov. seeks to move monuments. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper this month requested that Confederate statues be removed from the State Capitol grounds and moved to a historic Civil War site. The move has taken heat from some and received vocal support from others, but is expected to go through. Tennessee: Corker to retire. After mulling the decision and even receiving support from President Donald Trump, Republican Senator Bob Corker announced this week that he would not be running for re-election in 2018. It will be a busy campaign season in the Volunteer State as the Governor’s office will also be open.