A poll from Quinnipiac University released Wednesday shows a close race in the Florida gubernatorial contest with the Libertarian candidate proving to be a major factor. The poll shows former Gov. Charlie Crist, the favorite to win the Democratic primary next month despite spending most of his political life as a Republican, leading with 39 percent with Gov. Rick Scott right behind him with 37 percent. Libertarian Adrian Wyllie takes 9 percent.

Florida ranks toward the top in the country for its road transportation, according toa July report by the National Economic Council and the Presidents Council of Economic Advisers. The report found the Sunshine State ranked at the top in several measures of road transportation. Florida's drivers also pay less than drivers in any other state to maintain their vehicles as a result of Florida's good road transportation, ultimately resulting in around $180 in savings for drivers every year.

Former U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., continues to go all out for U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who is running against U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, R-Ark., in November. West sent out an email to supporters on Tuesday in which he agrees with national pundits assessment that the GOP needs to beat Pryor to flip the Senate.

A live event against the Common Core State Standards will be broadcast in movie theaters across the country on Tuesday. "We Will Not Conform," which will be hosted by conservative radio host Glenn Beck, promises to be an interactive experience where theatergoers can voice their opinions and concerns about the controversial education standards. Beck will be joined byconservative commentators like Fox News contributor Michelle Malkin and former Republican Party of Texas Vice Chair David Barton, both of whom have been staunch critics of the standards.

The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) launched a new line of attack on Tuesday against former Gov. Charlie Crist, the favorite in next months Democratic gubernatorial primary despite holding three statewide offices as a Republican. Defending Gov. Rick Scott, the RPOF launched a new webpage insisting Crist has offered nothing in terms of policy proposals.

Trying to catch former Gov. Charlie Crist in next months Democratic gubernatorial primary, former Florida Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich compared him to Gov. Rick Scott on Monday. Noting Crist had spent most of his political life in the GOP, Rich insisted he and Scott were two peas in a pod. Rich pointed to a video of Scott putting off answering questions and compared it to Crists refusal to debate her.

Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, is looking to expand even more into the new media world. Building off his Ron Paul Channel, the three-time presidential candidate launched Voices of Liberty on Tuesday. As Voices of Liberty, we further amplify the messages of the freedom movement through engaging videos and insightful news coverage, Paul announced on Tuesday. There are some major changes coming that will allow you to become an integral part of the movement by making your voice truly matter.

Facing a primary challenge from former Navy officer Ryman Shoaf next month, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., brought out the First Coasts GOP leadership behind him at an event on Monday. Crenshaw unveiled the endorsements of a host of Republicans including state Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Jacksonville, state Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham and Atlantic Beach Mayor Carolyn Woods.

U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., told the Washington Post on Monday that he supports same-sex marriage and applauded a Monroe County judge who struck down the state constitutional amendment passed by voters recognizing only traditional marriage in Florida.

The media were buzzing last week after a Monroe County judge ruled to legalize same-sex marriage in the Florida Keys, but due to an automatic stay as a result of an appeal by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Judge Luis Garcia has denied the request of same-sex couples to marry beginning Tuesday. Garcia denied a motion for same-sex couples to begin marrying on Tuesday after Bondi submitted papers asking Garcia to keep the automatic stay in place until the appeal had been dealt with. It could be weeks or months until a decision is reached.

The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) announced on Monday it was backing Gov. Rick Scott for a second term. On Monday, Scott kicked off a two-week tour of Florida, calling to make the elimination of the manufacturing sales tax -- one of the governors chief legislative issues back in 2013 -- permanent.

With Gov. Rick Scott launching a tour of Florida to highlight job creation on Monday, his running mate, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, came out swinging against former Gov. Charlie Crist. Despite spending most of his political life as a Republican, Crist is the favorite to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary next month.

Former U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., called President Barack Obama indirectly responsible for Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 being shot down over Ukraine in a blog post on Friday. "The blood on Vladimir Putins hands was poured by Barack Obama, who is indirectly responsible, accountable and no different than Neville Chamberlains weakness in the face of the 20th century maniacal dictator Adolf Hitler," West posted on his blog.

From his perch on the U.S. Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.,weighed in on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 being shot down over Ukraine. Rubio called on the U.S. to impose sanctions on the Putin regime in Russia in response.

Gov. Rick Scott plans to focus the next two weeks on his political bread-and-butter: job creation. On Monday, Scott kicks off his Jobs for the Next Generation tour in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. Scott is calling for the permanent elimination of the manufacturing sales tax and offering a plan for STEM teachers to work with businesses in summer residences as he looks to tie education to the changing economy.