Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Connie Mack is getting national attention as he continues to ponder whether to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. Macks possible senatorial ambitions received the notice of Politicos David Catanese on Thursday.

Gov. Charlie Crist sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday, arguing that the cold weather has hurt Floridas agriculture and asking for a USDAdisaster declaration for more than half of the states 67 counties. The consecutive days of sustained hours of below-freezing temperatures resulted in a tremendous amount of damage to agriculture production throughout the state, wrote Crist, before listing 35 counties impacted by the weather.

Those who purchased tickets for inauguration events after Dec. 22 can pick them up at the Leon County Civic Center starting on Saturday. Will Call will be open from noon-5 p.m Saturday through Monday, and on Tuesday from 8-11 a.m. and from 12:30-6 p.m. The Leon County Civic Center is located at 505 W. Pensacola St. For ticket information call (850) 241-1837.

Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling (PPP), a firm with ties to national Democrats, posted a blog piece on a recent poll -- and what it shows for incoming U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

CNN listed their top five political gaffes of 2010 -- and state CFO Alex Sink made the list. Sink, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, placed third on the list for checking a text message during a debate with Republican rival Rick Scott which was a violation of the rules. Commenting on the list, Republican political strategist Ed Rollins called it a defining moment, leading voters to doubt Sinks integrity.

Incoming Gov. Rick Scotts team announced on Thursday that Greta Van Susteren of Fox News will be the keynote speaker of a breakfast event on Monday that will kick off the inaugural festivities. Van Susteren, the host of "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren who worked for CNN before joining Fox News in 2002, will speak at the Salute to Women in Leadership breakfast. The event will honor the contributions of women from the Sunshine State -- including incoming Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll and incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The Florida Public Service Commission released an annual report Thursday showing that enrollment in the state's Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up Florida programs stood at 642,129 participants as of June 2010, an increase of 3.8 percent from the previous 12 months. The programs provide discounts to lower income families that qualify for some public assistance programs. Lifeline Assistance gives members a discount of $162 per year on basic telephone service. Link-Up Florida offers 50 percent off installation charges for maximum savings of $30.

Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, announced on Thursday that his organization has a number of new board members. It is my distinct pleasure to announce the new chair and board of trustees' members of Florida TaxWatch, said Calabro. These distinguished Floridians, through their commitment and contribution to the future of Florida, will be a driving force in creating a more effective and efficient government for all taxpayers.

On Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Crist extended an executive order issued earlier in the month declaring a state of emergency in the Sunshine State due to the continued cold weather. Crist extended the order, which eliminates all weight restrictions on trucks carrying agricultural products, until Jan. 7.

Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, chided Republican legislators Wednesday over their failure to pass legislation that would have allowed Florida to take advantage of millions in federal dollars to fund KidCare, the state program that provides health coverage to uninsured children.

Incoming Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam continued naming staffers on Wednesday, unveiling his pick for communications director, Amanda Bevis.

On Wednesday, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw announced that his team would be heading out across his North Florida district to reach as many of his constituents as possible and hear their concerns. My goal is to provide the best constituent service possible, said Crenshaw. Whether its Social Security, veterans issues, visas, passports, legislation or any other question or concern about the federal government, I want to hear from constituents and help them out.

With Republicans about to take control of Congress, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich --who is considering running for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012 --weighed in on what the new majority has to focus on. Next week when House Republicans are sworn in as a new majority, they will have a greater opportunity to enact real change than any House majority since the Democrats took over in 1930, insisted Gingrich in an e-mail sent out to supporters on Wednesday. The American people know we are at both a values and performance crossroads.

While 2010 did not go the way that Gov. Charlie Crist hoped, a new poll from Public Policy Polling (PPP), a firm with connections to nationally prominent Democrats, revealed that he generally retains the backing of Floridians as he leaves office. The poll found Crist kept the approval of 50 percent of Floridians while 39 percent did not approve of his performance in office. Tom Jensen of PPP pondered the governors future on his blog.

With Rich Nugent headed to the U.S. Congress to take the place of retiring U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, Gov. Charlie Crist announced on Tuesday that veteran law enforcer Al Nienhuis will serve as Hernando County sheriff until Jan. 7, 2013. Als 15 years as a dedicated law enforcement officer have given him the experience and skills he needs to honorably serve the people of Hernando County, said Crist. The leadership he has shown as an undersheriff for nearly a decade has prepared him to serve as one of the top law enforcement officers in our state.