After 10 Glorious Years, Sunshine State News and I Are Passing the Baton

A new national poll released by Rasmussen Reports on Thursday found that Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, who launched his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in August, is ahead of President Barack Obama.

Polling in low single digits at the national level and in most states as he continues to seek the Republican presidential nomination, former Gov. Jon Huntsman of Utah took aim Wednesday at his former boss President Barack Obama on the economy. Huntsman, who served in the Obama administration as ambassador to China, unveiled his jobs plan on Wednesday in New Hampshire. He called for reforming taxes and regulations, expanding free trade and seeking more energy exploration to lead to energy independence.

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania did surprisingly well in the Iowa Republican straw poll held in Ames earlier in the month -- so much so that he is now adding to his team in the Hawkeye State and setting up a new campaign headquarters in Urbandale.

Members of Florida's Cabinet rallied around Lenny Curry as the heir-apparent to outgoing RPOF Chairman Dave Bitner. Bitner, who announced Wednesday that he will resign for health reasons, recommended that the party elect his vice chairman to succeed him. Amid the condolences, top elected Republicans appeared to be embracing Curry as the new party chief. An election will be conducted during the RPOF's Presidency 5 summit in Orlando, Sept. 22-24. Bitner said his resignation would be effective Sept. 23.