Noting the Castro regimes imprisonment of Alan Gross on espionage charges for helping the Cuban Jewish community get Internet access, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen called for the Obama administration to do more to free him as she marked the fifth anniversary of his imprisonment.

Speaking at the Wall Street Journals CEO Council in Washington, D.C., on Monday night, former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., promised a decision soon on whether he would run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 -- and insisted he would run on his own terms.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, announced on Tuesday that he will not run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2016, Portman said. I am excited about continuing to serve, especially with the change in the Senate leadership.

A new CNN/ORC poll shows former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., starts out the Republican presidential nomination fight with a slight lead if former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., does not run again.

Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, fleshed out the GOP leadership for the next two years, announcing his committee chairs on Monday.

The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) released a poll from On Message on Monday which shows how Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., was able to defeat former Gov. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., in last months general election.

Gov. Deval Patrick, D-Mass., appeared on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday morning and toned down speculation that he will run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

Ive thought about it, but no, I cant get ready for 2016, Patrick said. Ive felt its been two really challenging and fun terms but I didnt run for the job to get another job. I ran to do this job.

Patrick had been active on the campaign trail in 2014, including helping former Gov. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., in his unsuccessful effort to beat Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., in the Sunshine State.

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott named Duval County Court Judge Angela Cox to replace former Chief Judge Donald Moran on the 4th Judicial Circuit, covering Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.

As a county court judge, Judge Cox has demonstrated dedication to serving Florida families with dignity and integrity, Scott said. I am confident she will continue to honorably serve as a circuit court judge to families in the 4th Judicial Circuit.

Clifford Wilson will be interim secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as current Secretary Herschel Vinyard leaves his post on Dec. 1.

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called for more sanctions on Iran, even as the P5+1 extended talks with that nation on its nuclear program after Mondays deadline passed.