Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Thursday endorsed state Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, for the Republican nomination to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

This is it -- primary Election Day in Florida -- in a state of increasing national importance and political vigor. As the rest of America watches -- for that matter, as Florida intently watches itself -- voters go to the polls to decide who will be their party's nominees in November’s general election.

Although the details have not been announced, the White House Press Office revealed President Barack Obama, the first lady and their two children will spend the second weekend of August on the Florida Gulf Coast … Former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre continues to struggle in his bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.

Money is flowing into a congressional race in Central Florida where U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, a freshman Democrat, looks to hold off whoever emerges from a crowded field of Republican candidates.