Florida’s congressional delegation, like the overwhelming majority in the U.S. House, broke on party lines when the new Republican majority voted Wednesday to repeal the federal health care bill enacted in 2010 with the support of President Barack Obama. Those divisions filtered down at the state level as Republicans in Florida praised the repeal measure, while Sunshine State Democrats continued to back Obama and the health care laws.

Three U.S. senators announced in recent days that they plan to retire in 2012 instead of seeking another term. But Florida Democrat Bill Nelson shows no signs of joining his three colleagues -- Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.

While the new Congress has only been in session for little more than a week, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is off to a fast start.

As he starts his second term in Congress, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney is increasingly visible as he focuses on federal spending.

In a widely expected move, former Sen. Rod Smith was selected to lead the Florida Democratic Party on Saturday in Orlando, replacing former U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman, who has served as chairwoman for almost six years.

Besides outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist, there were three former governors attending Rick Scott’s inauguration as the state’s 45th governor: Claude Kirk, who was elected in 1966; Bob Martinez, who won office in 1986; and Jeb Bush, who was elected in 1998 and 2002.

The jockeying continues to see who will be the next chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Former RPOF Chairman Tom Slade endorsed former Rep. Dave Bitner this week, praising the current Jefferson County RPOF committeeman for his commitment to conservative values.

A poll from Public Policy Polling (PPP), a firm with connections to national Democrats, shows that Florida Republicans can expect close primary battles in the presidential race as well as the contest to take on Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

A poll released Tuesday from Public Policy Polling (PPP), a firm with ties to Democrats at the national level, reveals that Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is ahead of most of his potential opponents, but remains vulnerable: He could not muster more than 50 percent against a pack of mostly unknown Republicans. 

Despite opposition from a handful from each party, the U.S. Senate voted Wednesday on a tax deal that extends tax cuts initially backed by George W. Bush for all Americans. The measure passed 81 to 19 with both of Florida’s senators -- Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican George LeMieux -- voting in favor. 

If-you-build-it-they-will-come worked for Kevin Costner in Iowa, but will it work for the growing gaggle of cheerleaders so intent on high-speed rail in Florida?

A supporter of Gov.-elect Rick Scott, who is so on the outs with legislative leaders that speculation has mounted she might end up in his administration, may hold the key to the future of a high-speed rail connecting Tampa and Orlando.

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