The following young executives, profiled for the second in a series about Florida's talented student government officials, have all spent several years around the state capital as students of Florida State University. Their combined experiences in FSU's Student Government Association include lobbying state lawmakers, bringing online voting to SGA elections and overseeing a $50,000 budget.

WASHINGTON -- One of President Obama's consistent education themes has been the wish that every child cross paths with that one teacher who hits the light switch and changes one's life.

Generating 700 megawatts of increased solar-power output would create 40,000 jobs and expand economic activity in Florida by $8.1 billion, a new study says.

The report by the Washington Economics Group helped to fuel support for Senate Bill 1186, which the Senate Energy Committee passed Wednesday.

Starting Friday, Floridians will be able to save money while helping to save the environment and the Sunshine States sluggish economy.

At a media event Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Crist met with legislators, representatives of the Florida Retail Federation and employees of Badcock, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes and Sears to promote a rebate program on energy-efficient appliances.

When Gov. Charlie Crist signed the Transparency in Private Attorney Contracting Act on Wednesday, it might have been the last time Floridians see him in the glowing company of Republican Party leaders.

Gov. Charlie Crist signed three measures into law Wednesday that had the backing of leading Republicans in Florida -- but he still did not answer whether he would sign or veto teacher performance pay legislation.

Age: 61

Residence: Tallahassee

Time in the Legislature: 28 years

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Spouse: Delores

Children: Alfred III, Shani

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a professional basketball player, and I tried out for the San Diego Conquistadors and was cut by their coach, who was Wilt Chamberlain.

What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?

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