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Rubio will not attend Conservative Political Action Conference
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will not be attending the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington next week, reports Alex Leary.
Rep. Rivera faces even more ethical troubles
Another day, another ethical problem for U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami. This time, the Associated Press reports that he paid himself nearly $60,000 in unspecified campaign reimbursements over his eight years in the state legislature.
GOP already drawing up plans should Rivera have to leave Congress
Politico reported this morning on how the ethical troubles of Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, are affecting his relationship with the House GOP caucus in Washington. Neither Majority Leader Cantor nor Speaker Boehner have said anything publicly since Rivera is still under investigation by Florida law enforcement, but quietly, they are frustrated and even planning for his replacement.
Rep. West: Muslim congressman represents the ‘antithesis of the principles upon which this country was established’
Rep. Allen West, R-Fort Lauderdale, appeared recently on the South Florida-based program The Shalom Show and said that Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim member of Congress, represents the “antithesis of the principles upon which this country was established.”
Rep. Mack fundraising for Senate run?
Rep. Connie Mack, R-Naples, appears to be preparing for a U.S. Senate run in 2012 — though he doesn’t outright say it, only referring to his “next opportunity” and attacking his potential Democratic opponent while asking donors for up to $125,000 in an email obtained by Politico.
Bill to delay ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal introduced in House, Reps. Miller, West sponsor
The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the U.S. military’s policy of banning openly gay servicemembers, was signed into law late last year. Nevertheless, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., has already introduced a bill that would require the signature of chiefs of the four branches of the military to sign off on the repeal as well.
Sen. Nelson announces reelection bid
As expected, Democratic Florida Sen. Bill Nelson announced he is running for a third term Wednesday, according to an Associated Press report.
Many True the Vote goals already a reality in Florida
Earlier today, Mary Tuma of The Texas Independent reported on this weekend’s “True the Vote” conference hosted by the Houston-based tea party group King Street Patriots. The group announced its intention to “replicate its ‘voter fraud’-fighting efforts” in several other states, including Florida, but Sunshine State law already addresses many of the issues True the Vote says it wants to correct.
Haridopolos ramps up early campaign against Sen. Nelson
Florida state Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced in December his bid for U.S. Senate in 2012, becoming the first Republican opponent to Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Now Haridopolos has created a website — mike2012.com — and a political committee — “Friends of Mike H” — in support of his run. (No committee could be found with that name in the Federal Election Commission database.)
Wasserman Schultz recounts moment when Giffords opened her eyes
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Pembroke Pines, traveled on with President Obama on Air Force One to Tucson to see her friend and colleague Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and attend “Together We Thrive” at the University of Arizona. She recounted the emotional moment when Giffords opened her eyes for the first time.
