Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who will be hitting the campaign trail with Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott on Friday, leads a new poll of possible 2012 Republican presidential hopefuls.

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.

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.

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.

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.