U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, closed the door on running for the Republican presidential nomination on Monday. Corkers name had generated some buzz as a possible dark horse hopeful. Speaking to WPLN in Nashville, Corker said he was focused on his new duties.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., is calling on President Barack Obama to have an overarching strategey" again Islamic State (IS) terrorist forces. Now is the time for the president to articulate an overarching strategy to defeat IS and explain how he intends to build a greater international effort that does not rely on American combat troops, Buchanan said on Tuesday. The leadership vacuum in the White House must be replaced by a clear and coherent vision."

As Sunshine State News nears its 5-year birthday in March, expect some major changes as we continue to cover a side to the issues and stories that is absent in the news landscape. Sunshine State News will expand in new directions in the weeks to come, taking our common-sense core message to even more Floridians. Keep an eye on Sunshine State News on Wednesday morning for a major announcement concerning the first step toward these efforts.

Your humble blogger appeared on Newsmax TV on Thursday, appearing on "MidPoint" with Ed Berliner. During my appearance, I talked about Gov. Rick Scott's, R-Fla., handling of removing Gerald Bailey at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the 2016 presidential election and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressing Congress.

Sunshine State News is about to hit the radio airwaves. Your humble blogger will be on all two hours of the Ed Dean Radio Show on Wednesday instead of my normal half hour spot. Well be broadcasting at the 1300 WMEL studio in Cocoa. Listen in at www.1300wmel.com.

President Barack Obama proposed a $4 trillion budget package Monday afternoon in hopes of boosting the middle class, but the budget will result in tax increases on businesses and the nation's wealthy individuals -- something most Americans aren't on board with, according to a new Rasmussen Reports poll released Monday.

Former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., announced to supporters on Friday that he will not seek the Republican presidential nomination for a third time. Romney was the Republican presidential candidate in 2012 who lost to President Barack Obama. Conservative pundit and radio show host Hugh Hewitt received a copy of what Romney told supporters on Friday. Romney insisted that he could win the nomination but decided against a third bid.

The National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) jabbed freshman U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., on Wednesday, accusing her of backing President Barack Obamas call to tax 529 saving accounts that Americans use to save for their childrens college education. After drawing heavy fire from the Republicans on the proposal, Obama has spiked it for the moment.

Senate Democratic leader Arthenia Joyner left no holds barred at the Associated Press's pre-session meeting Wednesday, criticizing Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet over the firing ofFlorida Department of Law Enforcement chief Gerald Bailey. "Hubris appears to be the organizing principle of our executive branch," she said.

The special Republican primary battle for former Rep. Doc Renuarts open House seat, representing the northern parts of St. Johns County, proved close on Tuesday night. St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson beat St. Augustine businessman Mike Davis, who challenged Renuart in the primary back in 2012, by 300 votes on Tuesday night. With all votes in, Stevenson had 5,173 votes (42 percent) while Davis took 4,870 votes (39 percent). Jack Capra stood in distant third with 2,379 votes (19 percent).

Former Rep. Travis Hutson won the special Republican primary for an open Florida Senate seat on Tuesday night, decisively beating former Rep. Doc Renuart by 17 percent. Hutson will face Democrat David Cox in the special election on April 7. With all votes in from Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties and more than 90 percent of precincts reported in St. Johns County, Hutson had 52 percent of the vote while Renuart trailed with 35 percent. Dennis McDonald was in distant third with 13 percent.

Paul Renner is one step closer to heading to Tallahassee after a big primary win on Tuesday night. Renner, an attorney and Navy veteran, lost by the skin of his teeth in a Republican primary to banker Jay Fant for an open Florida House seat in Duval County. But, on Tuesday, Renner bounced back easily, crushing former St. Johns County Commissioner Ron Sanchez and conservative activist Danielle Anderson in the special Republican primary for the House seat vacated by former Rep. Travis Hutson.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., announced on Monday she was named to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Graham defeated U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., back in November in a rare bright spot for Democrats in the Sunshine State in last years election cycle. Farmers and rural communities are the backbone of North Florida, Graham said on Monday. "Our economy depends on their hard work. Our families depend on them to provide food. On the Agriculture Committee, I will be a voice our farmers can depend on to represent their interests, Graham added.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., announced on Monday he was a co-sponsor of U.S. Rep. Joe Wilsons, R-S.C., Local Control of Education Act which would stop the Obama administration from making states adopt a specific curriculum, and would void any previous federal requirements established for states that have already adopted Common Core. Rooney explained why he was backing the bill on Monday.

Conservative group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) came out swinging at proposals to use public funds and incentives to lure the entertainment industry to Florida on Tuesday. AFPs Florida chapter showcased an infographic on the matter on Tuesday, insisting film incentives dont help the economy.