GOP’s general opposition to Sotomayor may hurt Senate candidates in Fla., elsewhere

MIAMI — If there is one place where any bad feelings from the hearings on Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court nomination could have lasting consequences, it’s Florida, the pesky swing state that the second-largest Puerto Rican community outside the island calls home.

GOP Sen. Martinez of Fla. says he’ll resign before term ends, return to private sector

ORLANDO, Fla. — Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida said Friday he will step down from the Senate before his term ends, adding fresh intrigue over who will fill the seat.

GOP Sen. Martinez of Fla. says he’ll resign before term ends; gov won’t appoint self to seat

ORLANDO, Fla. — Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida said Friday he will step down from the Senate before his term ends, adding fresh intrigue over who will fill the seat. Martinez, the only Hispanic Republican in the Senate, told reporters at a news conference he was leaving office of his “own free will.” He announced in December he would not to seek to re-election in 2010.

GOP Sen. Graham to vote for Sotomayor, 5th Republican to back Obama Supreme Court choice

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday that he will vote for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, breaking with his party’s conservative leaders to back President Barack Obama’s choice to be the first Hispanic justice.

Historic Florida racetrack where flamingos flew could see racing again as soon as December

HIALEAH, Fla. — A historic Florida racetrack known for its flock of flamingos could open again as soon as December, the son of the park’s owner said Monday.

Despite calls for conservative purity, GOP looks to the middle in recruiting for 2010 races

WASHINGTON — Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh contend the Republican Party needs less moderation and more conservative backbone to win back voters who have been abandoning it in droves.

Republican official: Florida Gov. Crist to announce 2010 plans, hints at US Senate run

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The head of the state Republican Party says Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will announce his 2010 political plans Tuesday and hinted that the U.S. Senate is his target.

Cha-ching! Federal stimulus provides not only boon for public but PR bounty for politicians

BOSTON — The federal stimulus package isn’t just a boon to many of the country’s citizens and industries. It’s also a gift for politicians.

Fla. sheriff: 2 deputies killed by soldier had no warning confrontation would turn deadly

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Two deputies from a troubled sheriff’s office in Florida had no warning a confrontation with a National Guard soldier accused of beating his wife would turn deadly, the sheriff said.

Obama’s bipartisanship promise proves easier said than done in first months

WASHINGTON — Barack Obama swept into office with a lofty promise to bridge the capital’s fierce partisan divide.