Obama calls; Ros-Lehtinen hangs up on him

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen hangs up on the nation's next president, believing he's just a disc jockey playing a joke.

Mel Martinez won't seek Senate reelection

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez's announcement Tuesday that he will not run for reelection set off a political free-for-all throughout Florida, as a slew of would-be successors began jockeying for position in the state's marquee race in 2010.

EDUCATION

Miami-Dade schools chief Alberto Carvalho: Schools deserve bailout, too

As banks, cities and the auto industry apply to the federal government for a bailout, the Miami-Dade schools chief said Congress shouldn't forget the nation's public schools.

SUNRISE

Sunrise city attorney says mayoral election not needed

The race for Sunrise mayor may be over before it officially begins after a city attorney's ruling that Deputy Mayor Roger Wishner is entitled to the job.

Florida's Gov. Crist weighs a holiday foreclosure freeze

Gov. Charlie Crist said Monday he is considering imposing a temporary freeze on housing foreclosures in Florida to provide some holiday relief from the housing and financial turmoil that continues to shock the state's economy. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering a similar proposal. Resistance to a freeze is expected from lenders and mortgage servicing companies.

Two Democrats trade barbs to win Broward leadership post

Now that Broward Democrats are finished ripping Republicans, they're ready to rip each other. Former U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch is challenging Mitch Ceasar for chairmanship of the county's Democratic Executive Committee. The job includes no paycheck but carries clout: The chairman recruits candidates, fires up activists and mingles with everyone from presidential contenders to local hopefuls in Florida's Democratic stronghold.

Pay raise for Miami-Dade county attorney nixed

Miami-Dade commissioners tried to ram through a $26,000 raise for their top lawyer last week with no public notice at the end of a 10-hour day.

Gwen Margolis sues to avoid runoff in Dade appraiser race

Longtime politician Gwen Margolis entered this year's race for Miami-Dade property appraiser with heavy name recognition and a healthy campaign account.

Diaz-Balart brothers face Democrat-dominated White House and Congress

Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart will return to the Capitol in January victorious after their first significant re-election challenges -- but also facing a new reality as members of a Republican party more marginalized than before.

LEGISLATURE

New faces in Florida Legislature to get crack at budget challenges

State legislators welcomed new members and elected new leaders but faced continuing budget challenges brought on by an economy that's still experiencing hard times.

New Florida Legislature leaders face budget challenges

Acknowledging the state's challenging fiscal crisis, Florida legislators voted in two new Republican leaders for the next two-year term on Tuesday.

ELECTION 2008

Obama's Florida victory official, state panel rules

The Florida Elections Canvassing Commission needed just 13 days to certify the presidential election results.

MIAMI-DADE CIRCUIT COURT

Experts clash on gays' bids to adopt children

Dueling social-science testimony marked a trial over a gay North Miami man's petition to adopt his two foster children.

FLORIDA POLITICS

Glory of victory eludes both Democrats, Republicans

As both parties lick their election wounds, there's no shortage of criticism and advice within Republican and Democratic circles about how to prepare for the next bout.

Republicans ask Florida GOP to explain spending

Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer is being asked to answer to an audit of party books amid questions from top Republican leaders as well as rank and file members about spending on chartered jets, five-star hotels, sports tickets and even men's clothing shops this election cycle.

LEGISLATURE

State Senate chief extends olive branch to former rival

The incoming state Senate president patched up a two-year rift by naming a former rival to a powerful committee chairmanship.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Miami-Dade leaders admit transit tax has failed

Miami-Dade officials will publicly discuss how the 2002-approved transit tax failed to deliver its promises and what are the options left on the table.

MIAMI

Miami City Commission approves homeowner loans

Miami commissioners launched a foreclosure prevention program, while also speeding up capital improvement projects to increase jobs.

POLITICS

At Miami conference, GOP governors vow to right the ship

Gov. Sarah Palin took center stage in the last day of a GOP governors conference where leaders asked themselves where the party is headed -- but did not find clear answers.