Rep. Sandy Adams of Oviedo, the Republican candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas in November, took aim at congressional Democrats -- including Kosmas -- voting to adjourn without extending tax cuts backed by George W. Bush in his first term.

With Democrats adjourning Congress on Thursday, Republicans took the opportunity to point out that they had not extended tax cuts backed by George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003.

Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Oviedo, announced on Thursday that her challenge to Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas was being backed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters, Local 2969. On behalf of the Brevard County Professional Firefighters, Local 2969, we offer you our full endorsement in your bid for election to the United States Congress. It would be an honor to see you serve our country, wrote Michael Zocchi in his endorsement letter to Adams.

Florida TEA Party Chairman Fred O'Neal today released the party's financial records and announced plans to participate in upcoming court depositions. Orlando attorney Wade Vose is attempting to establish links between U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, and the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party. O'Neal, also an attorney, called Vose's effort "bizarre."

White House officials have confirmed that Pete Rouse, currently a senior adviser to President Barack Obama, will take over for Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff. Emanuel reportedly will run for mayor of Chicago. According to sources, President Obama will give Emanuel a "send-off" on Friday when Emanuel officially announces his future plans.

Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos said today he hopes to save $1 million through his reorganization of office staff. In the latest shuffle, Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, announced four new hires and two promotions. Among them: Jerry McDaniel will take the lead role at the Senate Ways and Means Committee.McDaniel currently is the governors deputy chief of staff and director of the Governors Office of Policy and Budget.

The Department of Education is encouraging Floridians of all backgrounds to apply for a volunteer position for the state's Race to the Top program. Eight committees across the state will be responsible for organizing and executing the states work as outlined in the federal Race to the Top grant application.

Veterans and Military Families for Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based organization, endorsed U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, in the 22nd Congressional District. The endorsement didn't surprise Klein's opponent, retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West, whose campaign noted that the nominally nonpartisan VMFP has exclusively backed Democrats. VMFP saluted Klein, saying the congressman's "strong commitment to the issues that are critical to veterans, those serving now, and their families is unsurpassed."

The Washington, D.C.-based Commercial Spaceflight Federation today praised Congress for passing the NASA Authorization Act that earmarks $1.612 billion for commercial crew and cargo programs, including $612 million in fiscal 2011. The Commercial Crew Program will enable multiple companies to develop systems for crew transportation to and from the International Space Station.The bill also strengthens the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program with $45 million over three years.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded Space Florida $400,000 to design an economic-development initiative for the east-central coast of Florida facing job losses. Commerce's Economic Development Administration grant, augmented by $100,000 in matching funds from Space Florida, is targeted at Brevard and surrounding counties hardest hit by NASA cutbacks and the phase-out of the shuttle program.

Members of Congress passed a stopgap spending measure Wednesday to fund the government until December, allowing them to end the current session eight days early. Most members are heading back to their home states to campaign in a heated midterm year. Left undecided by Congress was a vote on whether to extend the Bush-era tax cuts.

In an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program today, Jeb Bush said Marco Rubio will win because he has a "hopeful, optimistic message based on our principles, not based on despair or pessimism."

The House voted to approve a NASA authorization bill Wednesday in a 304-118 vote. The bill is a companion to similar legislation already unanimously approved by the Senate and calls for one more space shuttle flight before the program is retired. The bill also includes $6.9 billion over the next three years for the development of NASA's next heavy-lift rocket. There is only $1.6 billion slated for commercial rocket development over three years, as opposed to the $3.6 billion preferred by a plan proffered by President Obama in February.

The latest Quinnipiac Poll says Marco Rubio is riding a wave of voter anger to take a commanding lead over Gov. Charlie Crist. Rubio holds a 46 to 33 percent lead among likely voters over his rival. Kendrick Meek brings up the rear with 18 percent. "Rubio, a former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and a favorite of the tea party movement, is benefitting from strong voter anger at the federal government," the report said. The poll was conducted by live interviewers.

The campaign team of Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott weighed in on a new poll from CNN/Time that had its candidate ahead of Democratic nominee state CFO Alex Sink. Obviously as voters learn about the mismanagement Sink oversaw as CFO, her ballot support is beginning to collapse, said Joe Kildea, a spokesman for Scott.