House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders of Key West and Democratic Whip Evan Jenne of Fort Lauderdale named four deputy whips Monday to oversee their caucus.

Looking to rein-in state spending, Floridas governor, a man with little political experience who was elected by the skin of his teeth, looked to lower taxes and rein-in education spending, even advocating privatizing the penal system.

With a host of much-better-known Republicans considering running for president in 2012, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota has been raising his profile in recent days as he reflects on launching his own bid for the White House.

Incoming Gov. Rick Scott continues to meet with as many legislative members as possible before he takes office in January.

Public Policy Polling, a firm with ties to Democrats, released a poll this week that showed President Barack Obama maintaining a healthy lead in Minnesota over possible Republican candidates.

With the newly elected Republican governors of Ohio and Wisconsin rejecting federal funds for high-speed rail projects, the Sunshine State looks to gain, as both Democrats and Republicans in the Florida congressional delegation are happy about the additional money.

U.S. Rep. John Mica was selected by his fellow Republicans in Congress to chair the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure -- giving a Floridian the gavel over the powerful committee overseeing highways, aviation, rail, maritime shipping, public buildings and the Coast Guard, amongst other tasks.

Florida TaxWatch released 125 recommendations to cut about $4 billion from the state budget Wednesday -- days after the state's expected budget shortfall of $3-to-$3.5 billion was announced for the next fiscal year.

Two Florida Republicans were selected to lead committees in the U.S. House Wednesday, as U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was chosen to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee and U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller was named to lead the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, named more chairmen and vice chairmen of House committees Tuesday, committees that will shape legislation and laws in Florida for the next two years.