Rob Siedlecki is headed to Kansas.

Siedlecki, the former chief of staff in the Department of Health, was selected by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, probably best known for his time in the U.S. Senate and his brief bid for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, as the new secretary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) pending legislative approval.

The phone connection was a little shaky fromhalf a world away -- the call even dropped off once. But Monday morning, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., wanted to phone in and give Floridians an update on what he's seeing firsthand with the war efforts in Afghanistan.

Florida's newest senator is nearing the end of a nearly weeklong visit to the region where he's watched military exercises and visited with everyone from top officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan to people in the street markets.

Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, who is considering running against Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, joined many of his fellow Florida Republicans in criticizing President Barack Obamas new policies on visiting Cuba.

Relaxed travel restrictions will do nothing to end civil rights abuses in Cuba, posted LeMieux on his Twitter account on Monday. U.S. should increase pressure on regime, not weaken.

Over the weekend, Attorney General Pam Bondi offered her take on the King holiday.

On Monday, we will recognize a great leader in our nations history, Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was instrumental in showing how to lead and to disagree, with passion and civility, said Bondi. Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. His dedication to solving critical issues through productive instead of destructive means is an inspiration to us all.

Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady issued an administrative order Friday outlining new procedures for review and oversight of construction projects for the state's district courts of appeal.

The new procedures include review of capital projects and their expenditures by the state courts administrator, the hiring of an internal project monitor for construction projects, with added oversight from the Supreme Court Office of Inspector General throughout the construction process.

Former state Rep. David Bitner routed the field to become the head of the Republican Party of Florida on Saturday. Bitner won the new position on the second ballot.

I just want to say we have a great team, said Bitner. We are taking our country back. There is unity here.

Newly inaugurated Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam offered his thoughts on Martin Luther King Day.

Rep. Janet Cruz of Tampa is a rising star in the Florida Democratic Party. While she was elected to the House in early 2010, Cruz has already moved up to being one of the deputy minority whips.

Cruz will be on center stage in Tampa on Monday during the MLK Day parade.

I am proud of Tampas unique diversity and its ability to respect and enjoy the cultures of so many, said Cruz, who added that America could heed Kings lessons today.

In an announcement Friday, President Barack Obama said he will loosen travel policies for students and religious groups that want to go to Cuba.

Students seeking academic credit and churches traveling for religious reasons would be allowed to go to the communist country.

Additionally, any American will be allowed to send up to $500 every three months to Cubans who are not part of the Castro administration and are not members of the Communist Party.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) named its leadership team on Friday -- and brought in Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan as one of its vice chairs.

NRCC Chairman U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas announced eight vice chairs -- and tapped Buchanan to head up finance efforts.