With Republicans routing Democrats across the nation on Tuesday, the GOP won a veto-proof majority in the Florida House of Representatives as five incumbent Democrats went down to defeat. When the dust settled, Republicans controlled 81 of the 120 seats in the Florida House -- increasing their majority by five.

State Republicans fought back against new federal health-care laws Thursday, as the GOP-dominated House and Senate sent a constitutional amendment to voters that would allow Floridians to opt out of health insurance.

With new laws threatening individuals who refuse to buy health insurance with penalties from the IRS, supporters of the proposed amendment said this would allow Floridians freedom and choice with their health-care decisions. Attorney General Bill McCollum has filed a lawsuit against the new federal laws.