The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud hailed "the toughest PIP fraud reforms Florida has passed in years," but warned that the state has "a long way to go before turning the corner on this crime." "The full-on commitment by Governor Rick Scott and his CFO Jeff Atwater lent critical weight to passage. Their making fraud a top-tier priority reinforced this crimes high costs to Floridians, and the higher costs of inaction," said Walter Dartland.

There are 50 delegates on the line in the Alabama Republican primary on Tuesday and, according to a poll released on Monday from American Research Group (ARG), Newt Gingrich holds a small lead. With the support of a majority of voters who say they are supporters of the tea party movement, Gingrich leads the poll of likely primary voters with 34 percent followed by Mitt Romney with 31 percent. Rick Santorum takes third place with 24 percent with Ron Paul lags behind with 6 percent, while 4 percent remain undecided and 1 percent back other candidates.

With Mississippi holding its Republican presidential primary on Tuesday, a poll released Monday shows Mitt Romney with a narrow lead over Newt Gingrich in the Magnolia State. There are 40 delegates at stake in the primary. Romney leads the American Research Group (ARG) poll of likely Republican primary voters with 34 percent, with Gingrich right on his heels with 32 percent. Rick Santorum stands in third place with 22 percent with Ron Paul taking 8 percent, while 3 percent remain undecided and 1 percent back other candidates.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll today showed a record number of Americans giving Barack Obama strongly negative reviews on what is emerging as the 2012 presidential campaigns most important issue -- gasoline prices. "Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they disapprove of the way the president is handling the situation at the pump, where rising prices have already hit hard," the Post-ABC poll reported.

An online survey by the Republican Party of Sarasota County finds a healthy appetite for action against Iran's alleged nuclear-weapons program. Of the 353 respondents: -- Eighty-seven percent think Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons. -- Sixty-two percent call Iran a "very serious threat" to the United States. -- Seventy-six percent want the Obama administration to take "a firm stand against Iranian actions."

Attorney General Pam Bondi scored a number of successes as the 2012 legislative session came to a close.

Just because casino interests failed this year, gambling-industry experts expect Florida to allow destination resorts in three to five years, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, left some words of inspiration to his colleagues Thursday in his farewell comments. Find allies, members who are smarter than you, and dont be afraid to challenge enemies who appear stronger than you, said Cannon, who cant seek re-election to the House this year due to term limits. Among the lines: -- Dont be afraid to say it when your allies are wrong and your enemies are right, because that happens too.

A consumer group says Floridians are in for a "rude awakening" when the state's PIP reform measure takes effect. Instead of measures aimed at preventing true fraud, were left with a bill that pads the pockets of big insurance companies while stripping consumers of choice and benefits," said Bill Newton of the Florida Consumer Action Network. While insurers cited skyrocketing claims costs stemming from staged accidents under the no-fault law, Newton said the new law "will treat consumers like criminals."

A leading Muslim group hailed the defeat of "anti-Sharia" legislation at the Florida Senate Friday. "This is a greatsuccessnot only for the Muslim community, but for all Americans who believe in theconstitutionalprotections of freedom of religion," said Hassan Shibly, Florida director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who headed the Senate Reapportionment Committee, announced Friday night that the 15-day special session on redistricting will begin Wednesday at 1 p.m.Earlier in the day, the Florida Supreme Court offered a split decision to the state Legislatures redistricting plan, ruling unanimously that the plan for the House seats passed constitutional muster, but the plan for the Senate lines failed to do so.

A national parent rights group said it was disappointed, but not surprised, by the Florida Senate's failure to pull a "trigger" on education reform Friday. "From AFT's secret PowerPoint to NEA's unprecedented Florida lobbyist invasion, we have seen time and time again that those who have power now are willing to do virtually anything to stop parents from ever having power," said Shirley Ford, an organizer for the Los Angeles-based Parent Revolution.

As the session wound down, the Florida Senate voted Friday night to join the House and back the personal injury protection reform that Gov. Rick Scott made one of his chief priorities. The measure passed 22-17. This is a triumphant moment for the residents of Florida, Scott said in a statement. "Members of the Legislature heard our call to put Floridians ahead of special interests and combat the fraud that has become a billion-dollar tax on drivers.

The Florida House voted to pass the $70 billion budget on Friday night on an 80-37 party-line vote -- but it will take some time for the Senate to pass it. The Senate, which is currently debating personal injury protection reform, must still cast a final vote on the budget.

This is my nomination for the best political story of the year sofar.