Hours after being named House speaker, Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Haven, led the House during a special session on Tuesday in overriding bills that had been vetoed earlier in the year by outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist. With Republicans controlling 81 of the 120 House votes, Cannon had enough votes in his caucus to override gubernatorial vetoes provided the Republicans stuck together. However Republicans insisted the special session, held hours after the House organized for the next two years, was not a trial run for how they would govern.

Pam Bondi Names Transition Team

By Kevin Derby

Among the attendees of the opening of the Florida House on Tuesday was newly elected Attorney General Pam Bondi, who announced her transition team later in the day. Bondi brought out some big-name Republicans, including outgoing Attorney General Bill McCollum, former House Speaker Larry Cretul and former Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg. Bondi named Carlos Muniz, a deputy general counsel to former Gov. Jeb Bush, as executive director.

Cliff Stearns Holding Service Academy Event in Ocala

By Kevin Derby

Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns will be holding an event at Westport High School in Ocala on Monday for high school students interested in attending one of the service academies -- the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy.

Sen. Mike Bennett Becomes President Pro Tem of Florida Senate

By Kevin Derby

Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, was formally elected and sworn in as president pro tem of the Florida Senate. Bennett decried the rampant spending during the economic boom times that led to what he called "entitlement slavery." "We allowed government to grow well beyond our means. When the permit to take and repair a water heater costs more than the actual water heater, something is wrong with government," Bennett said.

Insurance Adjusters on Sinkholes: We're Not the Problem

Commenting on Sunshine State News' story about problems with sinkhole coverage, the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters downplayed the impact and presence of fraud. "Though the insurance industry frequently declares that the rise in sinkhole activity is the result of fraudulent claims, the numbers the Office of Insurance Regulation reports tell a different tale," FAPIA spokesman Dan Ward said in an e-mail.

Mike Haridopolos in as New Senate President

By Kevin Derby

Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has been formally elected and sworn in as Florida Senate president by his fellow senators. In his speech, Haridopolos cited the need to work in a bipartisan fashion, despite the GOP's supermajority in the Senate. He said the chamber should focus on the legacy left to the next generation instead of partisan politics. "It's not about the TV, it's not about politics, it's about them (our children)," Haridopolos said.

Ras Poll: Jeb Bush a 'Long Shot' for Presidential Run

By Kevin Derby

Many have speculated on a third member of the Bush family making a run for president. While Jeb Bush has ruled out that possibility for 2012, some believe he's left the door open for 2016. But a new Rasmussen poll shows only one-third (35 percent) of likely U.S. voters believe its at least somewhat likely that Jeb Bush will run for president one day. That includes 10 percent who say it is very likely. On the other hand, almost half (43 percent) of those surveyed say it is unlikely the former Florida governor will make a run.

House Dem Leader Ron Saunders: 'Let's Get to Work'

By Kevin Derby

While the Republicans have dominated the opening ceremony of the 85th Florida House of Representatives -- no surprise, considering they have 81 of the 120 House seats -- the Democrats had their moment on Tuesday morning when Democratic House Leader Ron Saunders of Key West offered his opening address. Our state faces many challenges, said Saunders, noting the states high unemployment and continued mortgage crisis.

John Legg Takes Over as Speaker Pro Tem

By Kevin Derby

Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey, was just sworn in as speaker pro tempore of the Florida House. Legg who represents part of Pasco County, chaired the PreK-12 Policy Committee. I am very humbled and honored, said Legg, before thanking House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, and his family. Legg called Cannon the captain of the ship. Then added, If hes the skipper, I must be Gilligan which is a little disconcerting. In a more serious vein, Leggnoted the state remains plagued by a troubled economy.

New House Speaker Dean Cannon Takes Aim at Judicial Activism

By Kevin Derby

In his opening remarks, new House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, offered a conservative call-to-arms, attacking judicial activism. Cannon took aim at the Florida Supreme Court which struck down a number of proposed constitutional amendments forwarded by the Legislature, offering alternatives to amendments backed by FairDistricts Florida and allowing Floridians to opt out of the new federal health-care laws.

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