Dan Quayle and Mitt Romney | Credit: libertarianrepublican.net | World Affairs Council of Philadelphia - Flickr

Former Vice President Dan Quayle announced on Tuesday he is backing former Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination.

U.S. Rep. Connie Mack | Credit: Gage Skidmore - Flickr

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, who is running in a crowded Republican primary to challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, unveiled his finance team as the congressman continues his bid to win the seat that his father held for 12 years.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry

Focusing on social issues has helped Republican presidential candidates in the past -- Mike Huckabee outlasted the likes of Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson in 2008, while Gary Bauer and Alan Keyes did better than Dan Quayle, Lamar Alexander and Elizabeth Dole in 2000. Even evangelical leader Pat Robertson beat out George H.W. Bush in the Iowa caucus back in 1988.

Associated Industries of Florida took its proactive endorsement of the destination gaming bill, which could mean up to three mega-casinos in South Florida, to the Capitol on Tuesday.

But one of the sponsors of the bill didnt fully embrace the support.

Some of Gov. Rick Scotts vetoes following the 2011 session are paying off.

On Tuesday, a day before he releases his proposed budget for the next fiscal year, Scott said his approach will remain cautious.

I dont want to burden future generations on debt that we should be controlling in our state. I think the same thing about the federal government, Scott told reporters following the Cabinet meeting.

Im going to continue to be very cautious on debt, he added. The coverage numbers suggest we cant afford more debt.

While most voters continue to remain focused on the presidential race, two of the Republicans looking to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 are taking different paths to gain some attention this week.

Consider it an illegal fringe benefit for illegal immigrants. Today, 12 states allow individuals who are in the United States illegally to pay the same in-state tuition rates as legal residents of the state without providing the same rates to others in the country who are here legally.

With four weeks to go until Iowa Republicans caucus on Jan. 3, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich has broken through to lead the pack of GOP presidential candidates in the Hawkeye State, according to two polls unveiled on Tuesday.