Republican political consultant Nick Zoller declared on Sunday that he is entering the contest for the congressional seat representing Pinellas County. Former state Rep. Larry Crow also launched his candidacy over the weekend. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., who announced last week he will not seek re-election in 2014.

Sen. Geri Thompson, D-Orlando, ramped up her fundraising in the third quarter of 2013 after a lackluster second quarter. In the third quarter, Thompson raised almost $34,200 and spent $3,330. So far, she has raised almost $54,850 and spent more than $6,060.

According to public records, former state Rep. Adam Hasner has listed his two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in Boca Raton, prompting rumors that Hasner could move just 40 miles north to run for U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy's seat in Congress. In 2012, Hasner faced off and lost against former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam announced Monday he will propose cutting in half the sales tax Florida businesses pay for electricity, a measure that will save them $250 million to innovate, expand and develop. Speaking to some 450 participants at the Florida Eenergy Summit in Orlando Monday morning, Putnam said businesses now pay sales tax at a higher rate than residential users.

Broward County Mayor Kristin Jacobs, who has served on the Broward County Commission since being first elected to it in 1998, holds an impressive lead over former Rep. Steve Perman in the money chase as they battle in the Democratic primary for the seat held by term-limited Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek. Jacobs launched her bid on June 27, right before the third quarter started. From July through September, she raised almost $64,600, loaned her campaign $1,000, relied on almost $5,000 through in-kind donations and spent almost $2,070.

Former Rep. Evan Jenne is building an impressive fundraising advantage over Democratic primary rival Elaine Geller, a business owner and community activist, for an open House seat in Broward County. Jenne raised $21,250 in the third quarter of 2013 and spent around $6,900 in that period. So far, Jenne has raised $58,225 and spent more than $11,550 as he looks to return to Tallahassee.

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania is the defending champion of the Iowa caucus which kicks off the presidential contests. Santorum is kicking over running again for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and a strong showing in Iowa would be essential if he wants to be a major contender.

Democratic candidate Daisy Baez had an impressive fundraising haul in the third quarter as she launched her campaign to challenge Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, for his seat which represents parts of Miami-Dade.

Rep. Holly Raschein, R-Key Largo, posted impressive fundraising numbers for the third quarter as she holds a commanding lead in the money chase over Democrat challenger Pamela Gray who served as chairwoman of the Miami-Dade Planning Advisory Board.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has finally come forward and officially put his support behind Democrat Amanda Murphy in the House District 36 race, even after he said he wasn't going to endorse any candidate. While filming an edition of "Florida This Week" on WEDU, Fasano was asked if he was endorsing Murphy, and he said yes.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam continued to assemble his war chest for 2014 in the third quarter. He raised more than $209,000 during that period and relied on almost $110,950 through in-kind donations. Putnam kept most of his haul in the bank, spending less than $53,700. So far, Putnam has raised more than $800,100, spent almost $70,900 and relied on almost $193,840 through in-kind donations.

Former state Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich is treading water in terms of fundraising as she continues her gubernatorial bid.

Florida legislators raised some serious cash for this election cycle,according to the state Division of Elections.The totals put the senators in a good position for their 2014 re-election campaigns. Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, was the leader of the pack this quarter, raising $411,000, while Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, trailed behind her with $283,000. Following Benacquisto and Negron was Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, who raised the third-highest amount at $253,000.

Perhaps one of the most random names for potential nominees to take over U.S. Rep. Bill Young's seat in Congress is Anthony Sullivan's. While the name itself may not ring a bell, this commercial should: Sullivan was involved in the effort to build "The Lens" design for a new St. Petersburg pier and explained his involvement in the project gave him new insight to what voters really want out of their leaders.

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said he doesn't have intentions to run for U.S. Rep. Bill Young's seat, furthering speculation that Crist is gearing up to make a second run for governor in 2014. In a text message to Tampa 10 News reporter Preston Rudie Thursday night, the former governor said the run is "not happening!" Several others announced Thursday they wouldn't be running for Young's seat, either, including Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater.