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.

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 CFO Jeff Atwater raised some serious cash in the third quarter of 2013, bringing in more than $343,000 during that period and kept most of it in the bank, spending less than $7,900. Atwaters campaign relied on more than $75,600 through in-kind donations in the third quarter.

So far, Atwater has raised almost $538,250, relied on more than $442,270 through in-kind donations and spent around $22,200.

Conservatives have launched a website petitioning Dr. Ben Carson to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. John Phillip Sousa IV, descendant and namesake of the famed patriotic composer, is the national chairman of the National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee and sent out an email to Republicans and conservatives on Thursday urging them to support his candidate.

Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Orange Park, and Rep. Bill Hager, R-Boca Raton, are teaming up to file a bill which gives law enforcement the right to arrest people who expose themselves without a warrant or without directly witnessing it. The bill will also increase penalties for repeat offenders.

At the state Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott announced the Florida Park Service won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence. The award is from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida becomes the first state to win the award three times for its park service. No other state has won the Gold Medal award twice.

Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Vice Chairman Blaise Ingoglia won the support of Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Hobe Sound, for his bid to represent parts of Hernando County in the Florida House. Magar becomes the 17th legislator to back Ingoglia.

I am pleased to offer my endorsement of Blaise Ingoglia, Magar said in a statement on Thursday. Blaise is a natural born leader, committed to ensuring Florida continues to grow and thrive. His conservative values along with his private-sector experience will be a great asset to the Florida House.