Let me first do what some in this business fail to do: reveal a potential conflict of interest and remind readers that I served as Newt Gingrich's political chairman before and while he was speaker of the House. I've known him 30 years. But those who follow this column, including Gingrich, have not always enjoyed my views on some of his words or actions.

With the Legislature going into special session next week to consider backing a constitutional amendment to ban oil drilling in state waters, Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, is now ready for a second oil-related session to be held at the end of summer -- and he has the backing of the House speaker.

Labor leaders Thursday called on Gov. Charlie Crist and the leadership of both houses to expand the focus of the special session to change state statutes so unemployed Floridians will be able to receive extended unemployment benefits.

Either Bill McCollum doesnt know a principle from a prawn or hes as slippery as a Mississippi swamp.

Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed state Rep. Ronald Brise of North Miami and Jacksonville City Councilman Arthur Graham to join the Florida Public Service Commission.

Republican Rick Scott lost his bid Wednesday to have part of Floridas public campaign-finance law overturned, but even the judge siding with opponent Bill McCollum conceded the 23-year-old measure may not survive this election season.

Calling the purchase of U.S. Sugar Corporation's land an overpriced corporate bailout, tea partiers Wednesday urged the South Florida Water Management District to scrap the deal.

On Wednesday, Republican U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw commented on an appropriations bill moving through the U.S. House that could pay dividends for Jacksonville and its strong Navy presence.