Two new polls from Viewpoint Florida, a public opinion polling firm, show that Sunshine State citizens aren't shying away from the idea of nuclear power, despite ominous news from Japan, and are eager to see reforms to state worker pensions.

National Democrats have made freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West one of their top targets, but a new poll shows West with a 15-point lead over a top Democratic challenger.

Florida's unemployment rate fell 0.4 percent in February, down to 11.5 percent, and while Gov. Rick Scott is encouraged by the dip, he was cautious not to take credit for the figure so early into his term in office. He did note that Florida has all the ingredients for a more precipitous drop in the unemployment numbers.

The Agency for Workforce Innovation announced on Friday that the unemployment rate dropped in Florida in February to 11.5 percent. The rate had stood at 11.9 percent in January. This is the biggest drop in the unemployment rate in the state since May 2007.

On Friday, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Connie Mack took a pass at running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Bill Nelson. All signs were that Mack, who was doing well in the polls, would enter the race and run for the seat that his father held for two terms. Mack insisted that he could do more in the U.S. House where he chairs the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

In the latest knockdown of the diminishing legacy of former Gov. Charlie Crist, the House and Senate voted Thursday to override one of his vetoes, passing a bill that allows legislative leaders to control campaign funds.

"Governor Crist vetoed some things he shouldnt have vetoed," Sen. Don Gaetz said before the override vote in the Senate.

Roll Call is reporting that U.S. Rep. Connie Mack will enter what could be a crowded Republican primary against Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. Look for Mack to make an announcement on Friday morning. Mack's father held the seat for two terms before retiring in 2000 when Nelson ran.

The Medicaid reform bills backed by the leadership in the Legislature cleared the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, praised Gov. Rick Scott for signing Senate Bill 736, the merit pay bill that ties teacher pay to performance and student test scores. He also singled out Sen. Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville, for plaudits for bringing the bill forward and helping to pass it.

Governor Scotts signature on the Student Success Act sets Florida on its course to reward teachers while working toward providing the best education for students to succeed in the classroom and on the global playing field.

Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West took his seat in Congress two months ago -- and he already is the subject of a presidential draft movement.