A new poll shows a majority of voters hold the federal Department of Veterans Affairs in a negative light and a plurality want VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign after reports have emerged across the nation about secret wait lists at VA medical facilities.

With reports of secret waiting lists at VA medical centers across the nation, Gov. Rick Scott announced he would launch a lawsuit to ensure Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) can inspect VA hospitals across the Sunshine State.

Although an overwhelming majority of voters believe the wealthiest individuals still wield too much influence over politics, nearly half of them believe media bias is a larger issue in today's political world. A new Rasmussen Reports poll found over half of voters -- 54 percent -- think the news media have too much power and influence in politics.

Miami Dade School Board member Carlos Curbelo released a Web video on Wednesday as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla. In the video, Curbelo makes a play for younger voters as he offers his take on the challenges they encounter as they search for jobs. Curbelo also insists in the video that Wall Street has done better than average Americans in the recovery.

Through his Allen West Guardian Fund PAC, former U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., endorsed retired Marine Col. Larry Kaifesh, the Republican candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

Democrats want to see Nan Rich and Charlie Crist face off in a debate, according to a new poll from Public Policy Polling. PPP found nearly nine out of 10 Democratic voters -- 89 percent -- said they were either very interested or somewhat interested in seeing a debate between Rich and the former governor.

The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) took aim at former Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday in a new Web ad, accusing the newly minted Democrat of raising taxes five years ago. Crist is the Democratic favorite to challenge Gov. Rick Scott in November.

In Miami on Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, going to bat for Gov. Rick Scott, will launch a two-week tour focusing on small businesses. Scott is looking to showcase his new $10 million proposal to have colleges and universities host $100,000 competitions to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. Later in the day, Scott and Lopez-Cantera will hit Fort Lauderdale.

Five Republican congressmen from Florida -- Rich Nugent, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Dennis Ross, Steve Southerland and Ted Yoho -- sent a letter to U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki at the end of last week, urging him to resign. Shinseki is under fire as reports emerge about secret wait lists at VA medical centers across the nation.

Florida Cabinet members issued statements commemorating Memorial Day on Friday. My wife Ann and I join Floridians this Memorial Day in honoring the men and women of the United States military who have given their lives to serve our country throughout our nations history," said Gov. Rick Scott. "It is because of their bravery and sacrifice that we are able to enjoy the freedoms of our great country and have the opportunity to achieve the American dream. We continue to pray for the members and families of the armed forces who are honorably serving today."

David Dunn-Rankin, Florida Press Association chair, and Bob Gabordi, Florida Society of News Editors president, announced in a written statement Friday details for the first forums for Floridas 2014 gubernatorial candidates. They will take place at the organization's annual meeting, more than a month ahead of the primaries, but -- as in previous gubernatorial election years -- presenting an opportunity for editors to hear all candidates address the issues and clarify their positions.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., continues to stay active in Iowa, home of the first presidential caucus. Having endorsed Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst earlier in the month, Rubio is now running a new TV ad for her with his Reclaim America PAC as she continues her bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by the retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

Even as his bill empowering the secretary of the VA to fire and demote problem employees is stalled in the Senate, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., continues to push his legislation and now he is getting the backing of Gov. Rick Scott.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., called out the United Nations for not imposing harsh sanctions in response to the Castro regime in Cuba sending military support to fellow communist state North Korea. The South Florida congresswoman called for President Barack Obama to get involved.

U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., the chairman of the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, met with Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen on Thursday and urged him to continue to investigate the IRS targeting conservative and tea party groups.