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    <title>Florida News for Washington Bureau</title>
    <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news</link>
    <description>All </description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>MGWashington.com</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-03-27T00:47:17-05:00</dc:date>
    <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.mgwashington.com/" />
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama&#8217;s Picks for FDA Adopted Hard Line on Tobacco</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obamas&#45;picks&#45;for&#45;fda&#45;adopted&#45;hard&#45;line&#45;on&#45;tobacco/2667/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    WASHINGTON&#8212;President Barack Obama&#8217;s picks to fill the top two positions at the Food and Drug Administration have repeatedly bucked tobacco companies and pushed for greater restrictions on cigarette marketing, second-hand smoke and sales to minors. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obamas-picks-for-fda-adopted-hard-line-on-tobacco/2667/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-18T18:24:41-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obamas-picks-for-fda-adopted-hard-line-on-tobacco/2667/#When:22:32:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama Talks Gitmo Detainees, Tobacco, Budget Politics</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;talks&#45;gitmo&#45;detainees&#45;tobacco&#45;budget&#45;politics/2653/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Obama backs FDA tobacco regulation, pledges communities will face no increased risk of violence if their prisons should host detainess now held in Guantanamo Bay, and defends the lack of southerners in his Cabinet.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-talks-gitmo-detainees-tobacco-budget-politics/2653/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-11T17:10:41-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-talks-gitmo-detainees-tobacco-budget-politics/2653/#When:21:18:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fine Print in Just&#45;Passed Budget Bill Alters Cuba Rules</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/budget&#45;bill&#45;passed&#45;by&#45;congress&#45;has&#45;fine&#45;print&#45;that&#45;also&#45;alters&#45;cuba&#45;rules/2648/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Earmarks in the bill grabbed most of the attention. But the Cuba measures were the most controversial part of a massive $410 billion bill, and their passage sparked reaction from Washington to Tampa. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/budget-bill-passed-by-congress-has-fine-print-that-also-alters-cuba-rules/2648/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-10T19:32:41-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/budget-bill-passed-by-congress-has-fine-print-that-also-alters-cuba-rules/2648/#When:23:40:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Science and Mathematics Whiz Kids Meet With Obama</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/science&#45;and&#45;mathematics&#45;whiz&#45;kids&#45;meet&#45;with&#45;obama/2635/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Tak about after-school activities. How about a trip to the White House?
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/science-and-mathematics-whiz-kids-meet-with-obama/2635/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-09T19:06:29-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/science-and-mathematics-whiz-kids-meet-with-obama/2635/#When:23:14:29Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>$2.2 Billion in Stimulus Money for Florida Remains Uncertain</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/2.2&#45;billion&#45;in&#45;stimulus&#45;money&#45;for&#45;florida&#45;remains&#45;uncertain/2634/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Florida Gov. Charlie Crist remains hopeful the money will flow, though his state does not technically qualify for some of the stimulus money because of technical language in a key category of the massive economic stimulus bill signed into law last month by President Barack Obama.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/2.2-billion-in-stimulus-money-for-florida-remains-uncertain/2634/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-09T18:43:15-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/2.2-billion-in-stimulus-money-for-florida-remains-uncertain/2634/#When:22:51:15Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Warner Targeted on Labor Issue</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/warner&#45;targeted&#45;on&#45;labor&#45;issue/2633/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Freshman Democrat being pushed by business to help block pro-union legislation.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/warner-targeted-on-labor-issue/2633/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-09T17:03:26-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/warner-targeted-on-labor-issue/2633/#When:21:11:26Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Tracking Stimulus Dollars on Web Site is No Quick Click</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tracking&#45;stimulus&#45;dollars&#45;on&#45;web&#45;site&#45;is&#45;no&#45;quick&#45;click/2630/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Recovery.gov was heralded as way for citizens to monitor where stimulus money sent to their states and localities. The site already has registered more than 150 million hits. But are users finding the details they are seeking?<br />
<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tracking-stimulus-dollars-on-web-site-is-no-quick-click/2630/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-06T18:22:38-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tracking-stimulus-dollars-on-web-site-is-no-quick-click/2630/#When:22:30:38Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Getting what&#8217;s coming to you</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/getting&#45;whats&#45;coming&#45;to&#45;you/2629/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    As $787 billion in economic stimulus money flows from Washington, you may benefit from additional spending on new roads and community programs. But, what&#8217;s in it for you, personally? 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/getting-whats-coming-to-you/2629/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-06T17:20:43-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/getting-whats-coming-to-you/2629/#When:21:28:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bill Aimed at Preserving American Revolution, War of 1812 Sites</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/bill&#45;aims&#45;to&#45;preserve&#45;american&#45;revolution&#45;war&#45;of&#45;1812&#45;sites/2622/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Passed by the House on Wednesday, the bill is patterned after a Civil War battlefield protection program that provides grants to state and local governments and non-profit organizations through the National Park Service to acquire land and preserve sites 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/bill-aims-to-preserve-american-revolution-war-of-1812-sites/2622/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-05T18:03:11-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/bill-aims-to-preserve-american-revolution-war-of-1812-sites/2622/#When:22:11:11Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Omnibus Bill: Florida Lawmakers Face Tough Choices</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/omnibus&#45;bill&#45;florida&#45;lawmakers&#45;face&#45;tough&#45;choices/2619/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Huge spending bill to be voted on Thursday represent tough decision on spending and Cuba.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/omnibus-bill-florida-lawmakers-face-tough-choices/2619/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-04T19:25:44-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/omnibus-bill-florida-lawmakers-face-tough-choices/2619/#When:23:33:44Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama to Name Fla. Official to Head FEMA</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;to&#45;name&#45;fla.&#45;official&#45;to&#45;head&#45;fema/2617/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    President Barack Obama today announced his intention to nominate Florida's disaster management chief, Craig Fugate, to head the much-criticized Federal Emergency Management Agency.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-to-name-fla.-official-to-head-fema/2617/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-04T14:17:50-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-to-name-fla.-official-to-head-fema/2617/#When:18:25:50Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Senate Battle Over Cuba Provisions Heating Up</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate&#45;battle&#45;over&#45;cuba&#45;provisions&#45;heating&#45;up/2609/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Florida GOP Sen. Mel Martinez (left) on Monday picked up allies in his effort to strip language this week out of a huge spending bill that would allow families to visit their relatives in Cuba more frequently and ease other sanctions. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate-battle-over-cuba-provisions-heating-up/2609/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-03-02T17:25:54-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate-battle-over-cuba-provisions-heating-up/2609/#When:21:33:54Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Controversy Simmers As 2010 Census Approaches</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/controversy&#45;simmers&#45;as&#45;2010&#45;census&#45;approaches/2602/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    There are concerns being raised about whether the federal agency responsible for the upcoming national population count will be ready to go next year, even as state and community officials across the nation are actively organizing strategies to cure what they perceive as past U.S. Census defects, mostly by reaching out to population segments previously difficult to count.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/controversy-simmers-as-2010-census-approaches/2602/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-27T16:26:50-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/controversy-simmers-as-2010-census-approaches/2602/#When:20:34:50Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama outlines budget priorities</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;outlines&#45;budget&#45;priorities/2592/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    President Barack Obama says his $3.6 trillion federal budget plan for 2010 begins to deliver on some of his campaign promises. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-outlines-budget-priorities/2592/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-26T17:25:12-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-outlines-budget-priorities/2592/#When:21:33:12Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>House Votes to Ease Some Cuba Sanctions</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/house&#45;votes&#45;to&#45;ease&#45;some&#45;cuba&#45;sanctions/2589/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But Cuba hard-liners in the Senate say they will block the legislation if those provisions are sent over.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/house-votes-to-ease-some-cuba-sanctions/2589/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-25T19:11:09-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/house-votes-to-ease-some-cuba-sanctions/2589/#When:23:19:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Senator Criticizes Report Calling for Changing Cuba Policy</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;senator&#45;criticizes&#45;report&#45;calling&#45;for&#45;changing&#45;cuba&#45;policy/2571/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Cuban-born Mel Martinez takes issue with report from Republican Colleague Richard Lugar of Indiana.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-senator-criticizes-report-calling-for-changing-cuba-policy/2571/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-23T17:09:18-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-senator-criticizes-report-calling-for-changing-cuba-policy/2571/#When:21:17:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama To Address Congress, Amid Economic Uncertainty</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;to&#45;address&#45;congress&#45;amid&#45;economic&#45;uncertainty/2565/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    It is not officially a 'State of the Union Address.' But analysts predict a big viewership for President Barack Obama's speech Tuesday night before a joint session of the House and Senate given the gravity of the nation's economic ills.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-to-address-congress-amid-economic-uncertainty/2565/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-20T14:23:55-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-to-address-congress-amid-economic-uncertainty/2565/#When:18:31:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>FEMA&#8217;s Fate In Obama Administration Debated</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/femas&#45;fate&#45;in&#45;obama&#45;administration&#45;debated/2560/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Will the much-criticized disaster-relief agency remain in the Homeland Security Department, or answer more-directly to the president himself?
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/femas-fate-in-obama-administration-debated/2560/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-18T18:33:45-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/femas-fate-in-obama-administration-debated/2560/#When:22:41:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Congress Passes Stimulus Bill; Hands Obama Huge Victory</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/stimulus&#45;headed&#45;floridas&#45;way/2540/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The massive $787 billion economic rescue plan now goes to the president to sign. In Florida, officials have projected the state could get at least $10 billion from the bill, though not all of it would come this year.<br />
<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/stimulus-headed-floridas-way/2540/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-13T12:31:39-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/stimulus-headed-floridas-way/2540/#When:16:39:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Crist, Castor Praise Stimulus Plan&#8217;s Potential For Florida</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/crist&#45;castor&#45;praise&#45;stimulus&#45;plans&#45;potential&#45;for&#45;florida/2536/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But isl the devil be in the details?
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/crist-castor-praise-stimulus-plans-potential-for-florida/2536/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-12T14:43:50-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/crist-castor-praise-stimulus-plans-potential-for-florida/2536/#When:18:51:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cash&#45;Strapped States See More Help in House Version of Rescue Bill</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/facing&#45;budget&#45;woes&#45;states&#45;get&#45;more&#45;from&#45;house&#45;version&#45;of&#45;stimulus&#45;bill/2530/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    President Obama and House and Senate negotiators have started their potentially contentious negotiations on a final, compromise  version that can be signed into law.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/facing-budget-woes-states-get-more-from-house-version-of-stimulus-bill/2530/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-11T08:22:46-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/facing-budget-woes-states-get-more-from-house-version-of-stimulus-bill/2530/#When:12:30:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama Heads To Hard&#45;hit Florida as Senate Votes on Stimulus Bill</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;heads&#45;to&#45;hard&#45;hit&#45;florida&#45;as&#45;senate&#45;votes&#45;on&#45;stimulus&#45;bill/2524/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The president stumps for final two-house passage in a state that has no House or Senate Republicans supporting the measure, but where a GOP governor has backed his recovery plan.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-heads-to-hard-hit-florida-as-senate-votes-on-stimulus-bill/2524/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-10T08:12:10-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-heads-to-hard-hit-florida-as-senate-votes-on-stimulus-bill/2524/#When:12:20:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Some Lawmakers OK Privately Funded Trips for Staffers More Than Others</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/lawmakers&#45;traveling&#45;less&#45;but&#45;staffers&#45;are&#45;still&#45;frequent&#45;fliers/2521/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Congressional efforts to limit travel paid for by lobbyists or special interests appears to be working, as Tampa Bay&#8217;s U.S. House members and Florida&#8217;s two U.S. senators are taking few privately funded trips. But some lawmakers have not been so shy about approving such travel for their staffers.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/lawmakers-traveling-less-but-staffers-are-still-frequent-fliers/2521/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-09T10:47:11-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/lawmakers-traveling-less-but-staffers-are-still-frequent-fliers/2521/#When:14:55:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Will Rangel Case Test Fla. Congresswoman&#8217;s Reformer Image?</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/will&#45;rangel&#45;case&#45;test&#45;fla.&#45;congresswomans&#45;reformer&#45;image/2519/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Tampa Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor is on panel that is charged with investigating alleged improprieties by Rep. Charlie Rangel, the New Yorker who chairs the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/will-rangel-case-test-fla.-congresswomans-reformer-image/2519/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-06T18:53:53-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/will-rangel-case-test-fla.-congresswomans-reformer-image/2519/#When:23:01:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>White House pushes for recovery package</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/white&#45;house&#45;pushes&#45;for&#45;recovery&#45;package/2508/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The White House continued its full-court press Thursday for Congress to approve a massive economic stimulus package, emphasizing the benefits it would have for states and cities throughout the nation. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/white-house-pushes-for-recovery-package/2508/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-05T16:47:49-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/white-house-pushes-for-recovery-package/2508/#When:20:55:49Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tobacco companies brace for smoking cuts after tax hike</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tobacco&#45;companies&#45;brace&#45;for&#45;smoking&#45;cuts&#45;after&#45;tax&#45;hike/2501/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Tax hike of 62 cents a pack takes effect April 1.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tobacco-companies-brace-for-smoking-cuts-after-tax-hike/2501/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-04T18:40:26-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tobacco-companies-brace-for-smoking-cuts-after-tax-hike/2501/#When:22:48:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. Congressman to Lead Republicans on Homeland Security Watchdog Panel</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;congressman&#45;to&#45;lead&#45;republicans&#45;on&#45;homeland&#45;security&#45;watchdog&#45;panel/2494/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Palm Harbor will be trying to keep tabs -- as a member of the smaller, opposition party in Congress &#8211; on whether the Department of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.  
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-congressman-to-lead-republicans-on-homeland-security-watchdog-panel/2494/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-02-03T17:53:09-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-congressman-to-lead-republicans-on-homeland-security-watchdog-panel/2494/#When:22:01:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Layoff Survival Guide:&amp;nbsp; What to do if you&#8217;ve been laid off</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/layoff&#45;survival&#45;guide&#45;what&#45;to&#45;do&#45;if&#45;youve&#45;been&#45;laid&#45;off/2485/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    We asked career counselors and state employment officials for their best advice on how to survive a layoff.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/layoff-survival-guide-what-to-do-if-youve-been-laid-off/2485/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-30T17:45:18-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/layoff-survival-guide-what-to-do-if-youve-been-laid-off/2485/#When:21:53:18Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Some Question If Florida Gets Fair Share In Stimulus Bill</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/some&#45;question&#45;if&#45;florida&#45;gets&#45;fair&#45;share&#45;in&#45;stimulus&#45;bill/2480/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Crazy-quilt of complex funding formulas in rescue package determines how and why states would get what they get.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/some-question-if-florida-gets-fair-share-in-stimulus-bill/2480/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-29T19:45:20-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/some-question-if-florida-gets-fair-share-in-stimulus-bill/2480/#When:23:53:20Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Not All Floridians Stick To Party Line on Stimulus Vote</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/not&#45;all&#45;floridians&#45;stick&#45;to&#45;party&#45;line&#45;on&#45;stimulus&#45;vote/2473/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    North Florida Democrat Rep. Allen Boyd is one of 11 to break ranks with his party -- but the bill passes, anyhow.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/not-all-floridians-stick-to-party-line-on-stimulus-vote/2473/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-28T21:51:21-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/not-all-floridians-stick-to-party-line-on-stimulus-vote/2473/#When:01:59:21Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Stimulus plan includes billions for new construction and jobs</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/stimulus&#45;plan&#45;includes&#45;billions&#45;for&#45;new&#45;construction&#45;jobs&#45;and&#45;tax&#45;cuts/2461/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The ambitious $825 billion economic stimulus plan the House will vote on Wednesday blends new spending on everything from construction projects to unemployment aid with tax cuts for both individuals and businesses.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/stimulus-plan-includes-billions-for-new-construction-jobs-and-tax-cuts/2461/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-27T15:19:14-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/stimulus-plan-includes-billions-for-new-construction-jobs-and-tax-cuts/2461/#When:19:27:14Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gelber To Join Fla. Senate Race</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gelber&#45;to&#45;join&#45;fla.&#45;senate&#45;race/2460/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    State senator becomes second major Democrat who says he'll run for Senate seat being vacated by Republican Mel Martinez.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gelber-to-join-fla.-senate-race/2460/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-26T18:09:40-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gelber-to-join-fla.-senate-race/2460/#When:22:17:40Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Floridians Press Obama With Their Wish&#45;Lists</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/floridians&#45;press&#45;obama&#45;with&#45;their&#45;wish&#45;lists/2447/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    From road projects, to off-shore drilling, to space, Floridians want a lot -- and are not above reminding Obama that their swing-state helped make him president.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/floridians-press-obama-with-their-wish-lists/2447/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-23T18:42:45-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/floridians-press-obama-with-their-wish-lists/2447/#When:22:50:45Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. May Get $4.3 Billion Boost in Fed Medicaid Aid</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;may&#45;get&#45;4.3&#45;billion&#45;boost&#45;in&#45;fed&#45;medicaid&#45;aid/2440/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But will state legislative budget cuts lower the amount of federal matching funds?
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-may-get-4.3-billion-boost-in-fed-medicaid-aid/2440/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-22T18:23:04-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-may-get-4.3-billion-boost-in-fed-medicaid-aid/2440/#When:22:31:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama to Nation: Let&#8217;s Pick Ourselves Up</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;to&#45;nation&#45;lets&#45;pick&#45;ourselves&#45;up/2428/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Celebration over Barack Obama's historic swearing-in as the first African-American president is tempered by his somber warning that the country finds itself facing "gathering clouds and raging storms" amid a war, weakened economy, and other threats to its well-being.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-to-nation-lets-pick-ourselves-up/2428/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-20T18:27:51-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-to-nation-lets-pick-ourselves-up/2428/#When:22:35:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>For Obama: Inauguration Celebration, Then Reality</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/for&#45;obama&#45;inauguration&#45;celebration&#45;then&#45;reality/2397/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The excitement and celebration surrounding the inauguration of the first African-American president is tempered by the challenges facing a country tired of war, frightened of economic turmoil and looking for better times. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/for-obama-inauguration-celebration-then-reality/2397/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-19T18:34:04-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/for-obama-inauguration-celebration-then-reality/2397/#When:22:42:04Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama inauguration infuses MLK holiday with new meaning</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;inauguration&#45;infuses&#45;mlk&#45;holiday&#45;with&#45;new&#45;meaning/2391/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Obama's inauguration holds different meanings for different generations.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-inauguration-infuses-mlk-holiday-with-new-meaning/2391/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-18T16:54:39-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-inauguration-infuses-mlk-holiday-with-new-meaning/2391/#When:21:02:39Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Guv to Pay Own Tab to Inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;guv&#45;to&#45;pay&#45;own&#45;tab&#45;to&#45;inauguration/2378/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    As Florida faces budget troubles, Republican Charlie Crist decides he and his wife will fly to D.C. via commercial air, and attend only swearing-in and parade.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-guv-to-pay-own-tab-to-inauguration/2378/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-17T16:56:03-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-guv-to-pay-own-tab-to-inauguration/2378/#When:21:04:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama makes history, but increase in black legislators slows</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;makes&#45;history&#45;but&#45;increase&#45;in&#45;black&#45;legislators&#45;slows/2373/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Obama's candidacy and election were made possible in part because of the many blacks elected to office at lower levels of government; but there&#8217;s still room for some improvement there, analysts and politicians say.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-makes-history-but-increase-in-black-legislators-slows/2373/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-16T18:10:25-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-makes-history-but-increase-in-black-legislators-slows/2373/#When:22:18:25Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Florida &#8216;Embassy&#8217; in DC Gearing Up for Inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida&#45;embassy&#45;in&#45;dc&#45;gearing&#45;up&#45;for&#45;inauguration/2374/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Unique 'Florida House' give home-state visitors a place to go while in the nation's capital.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-embassy-in-dc-gearing-up-for-inauguration/2374/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-16T18:10:01-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-embassy-in-dc-gearing-up-for-inauguration/2374/#When:22:18:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Child Health Bill Relies on Hefty Tobacco Tax Hikes</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/child&#45;health&#45;care&#45;bill&#45;relies&#45;on&#45;tobacco&#45;tax&#45;hikes/2357/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Cigar industry in Tampa and elsewhere would be hit with big federal excise tax increases.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/child-health-care-bill-relies-on-tobacco-tax-hikes/2357/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-14T18:13:27-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/child-health-care-bill-relies-on-tobacco-tax-hikes/2357/#When:22:21:27Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Report: U.S. Marshals Escorted Sports Broadcasters</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/report&#45;u.s.&#45;marshals&#45;escorted&#45;sports&#45;broadcasters/2346/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Lawyer with U.S. Marshal Service accused of arranging for transport for himself and others to and from stadiums for major events like a Super Bowl or World Series games when he moonlighted as a statistician for Fox Sports.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/report-u.s.-marshals-escorted-sports-broadcasters/2346/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-12T18:35:07-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/report-u.s.-marshals-escorted-sports-broadcasters/2346/#When:22:43:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Who&#8217;s Footing Bill For Inauguration Trips?</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/who&#45;should&#45;pay&#45;for&#45;state&#45;officials&#45;dc&#45;inaugural&#45;partying/2339/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Some question whether state taxpayers should foot the full tab for governors and other state officials to attend Barack Obama's presidential swearing-in when the trip includes corporate- or lobbyist-sponsored other events that are not government functions.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/who-should-pay-for-state-officials-dc-inaugural-partying/2339/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-09T16:58:12-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/who-should-pay-for-state-officials-dc-inaugural-partying/2339/#When:21:06:12Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jeb Bush Decision Not to Run for Senate Opens Door for Others</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/jeb&#45;bush&#45;decision&#45;not&#45;to&#45;run&#45;for&#45;senate&#45;opens&#45;door&#45;for&#45;others/2328/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Former Florida governor and current president's brother says time is not right for him to run.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/jeb-bush-decision-not-to-run-for-senate-opens-door-for-others/2328/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-06T19:00:34-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/jeb-bush-decision-not-to-run-for-senate-opens-door-for-others/2328/#When:23:08:34Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Move Over Roller Derby! It&#8217;s the Southern States Inaugural Ball!</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/move&#45;over&#45;roller&#45;derby&#45;for&#45;southern&#45;states&#45;inaugural&#45;ball/2324/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    It may not be the swellest place, but Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and eight other Southern States to party inauguration night at DC Armory.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/move-over-roller-derby-for-southern-states-inaugural-ball/2324/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-06T17:43:15-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/move-over-roller-derby-for-southern-states-inaugural-ball/2324/#When:21:51:15Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Official Southern&#45;State Inaugural Ball and Others Set</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/official&#45;southern&#45;state&#45;inaugural&#45;ball&#45;and&#45;others&#45;set/2316/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Barack Obama to host this and other official balls the night after his swearing-in as president.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/official-southern-state-inaugural-ball-and-others-set/2316/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-06T08:54:03-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/official-southern-state-inaugural-ball-and-others-set/2316/#When:13:02:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Corporations Having a Ball (or 2) With Floridians</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/corporations&#45;sponsoring&#45;floridas&#45;own&#45;inaugural&#45;bashes/2304/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Critics say acceptance of sponsorship donations from corporations and lobbyists violates the spirit of Barack Obama's pledge not to do so for official inaugural events.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/corporations-sponsoring-floridas-own-inaugural-bashes/2304/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2009-01-02T17:36:08-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/corporations-sponsoring-floridas-own-inaugural-bashes/2304/#When:21:44:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. GOP Chief Mulling Run for RNC Chair</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;gop&#45;chief&#45;mulling&#45;run&#45;for&#45;rnc&#45;chair/2302/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    If he does run, Jim Greer would join at least six other candidates.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-gop-chief-mulling-run-for-rnc-chair/2302/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-31T16:04:47-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-gop-chief-mulling-run-for-rnc-chair/2302/#When:20:12:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tattered Economy May Not Stop Congressional Pay Raise</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tattered&#45;economy&#45;may&#45;not&#45;stop&#45;congressional&#45;pay&#45;raise/2287/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    House and Senate members will get $4,700 pay boost in 2009, to $174,000, unless they vote to reject it
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tattered-economy-may-not-stop-congressional-pay-raise/2287/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-24T10:35:58-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tattered-economy-may-not-stop-congressional-pay-raise/2287/#When:14:43:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Lawmakers Push Free Postage For Troop Mail</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;lawmakers&#45;push&#45;free&#45;postage&#45;for&#45;troop&#45;mail/2283/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Three Tampa Bay area members of Congress say they intend to launch new congressional efforts to create a free-mail-to-troops program for service members in combat zones. But a congressional research study says such a move will cost taxpayers $30 million, and would open up a floodgate of potential junk-mail to soldiers from anti-war groups, religious-based organizations and others because the Postal Service would not be able to weed-out unwanted mailings.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-lawmakers-push-free-postage-for-troop-mail/2283/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-23T11:26:17-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-lawmakers-push-free-postage-for-troop-mail/2283/#When:15:34:17Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Economy Tops Tampa Lawmakers&#8217; Agenda</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/economy&#45;tops&#45;tampa&#45;lawmakers&#45;agenda/2277/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Congress convenes its new session in early January, and Tampa Bay&#8217;s federal lawmakers agree that the ailing economy and Americans&#8217; dwindling access to health care are priorities. But each lawmaker also has their own early legislative to-do lists.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/economy-tops-tampa-lawmakers-agenda/2277/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-22T08:26:21-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/economy-tops-tampa-lawmakers-agenda/2277/#When:12:34:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Your guide to the Inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/your&#45;guide&#45;to&#45;the&#45;inauguration/2276/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    If you&#8217;re still thinking of heading to Washington to be part of what may be the city&#8217;s biggest gathering ever, you better move fast 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/your-guide-to-the-inauguration/2276/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-19T16:33:39-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/your-guide-to-the-inauguration/2276/#When:20:41:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tampa Bay Family Includes Trio of Big&#45;Money Inaugural Donors</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa&#45;bay&#45;family&#45;includes&#45;trio&#45;of&#45;big&#45;money&#45;prez&#45;inaugural&#45;donors/2259/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Father and two sons each give $50,000 to help out with Barack Obama's inauguration festivities
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa-bay-family-includes-trio-of-big-money-prez-inaugural-donors/2259/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-16T17:57:19-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa-bay-family-includes-trio-of-big-money-prez-inaugural-donors/2259/#When:22:05:19Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Tampa Bay Lawmakers Leave Different Marks On 2&#45;Year Session</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa&#45;bay&#45;lawmakers&#45;leave&#45;different&#45;marks&#45;on&#45;2&#45;year&#45;session/2202/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    As Congress wraps up its two-year session, Tampa Bay&#8217;s federal lawmakers this month close the book on slim list of legislative victories, marked by a few surprises and some personal struggles.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa-bay-lawmakers-leave-different-marks-on-2-year-session/2202/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-12-01T08:49:56-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa-bay-lawmakers-leave-different-marks-on-2-year-session/2202/#When:12:57:56Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>From Watermelons to Mr. Wizard, Congress Busy With Resolutions</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/from&#45;watermelons&#45;to&#45;mr.&#45;wizard&#45;congress&#45;busy&#45;with&#45;resolutions/2194/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Squeezed between serious business like the Wall Street bailout and funding wars, members of Congress have passed hundreds of ceremonial measures commemorating everything from zookeepers and sports teams to morticians and disease awareness. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/from-watermelons-to-mr.-wizard-congress-busy-with-resolutions/2194/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-26T08:52:13-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/from-watermelons-to-mr.-wizard-congress-busy-with-resolutions/2194/#When:13:00:13Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Virginia Fights for Norfolk Carrier</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/virginia&#45;fights&#45;to&#45;keep&#45;carriers&#45;in&#45;norfolk/2179/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Navy looks to move swiftly
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/virginia-fights-to-keep-carriers-in-norfolk/2179/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-20T17:39:02-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/virginia-fights-to-keep-carriers-in-norfolk/2179/#When:21:47:02Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Guv Popular Despite His State&#8217;s Economic Ills</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.&#45;guv&#45;remains&#45;popular&#45;despite&#45;his&#45;states&#45;economic&#45;ills/2164/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Charlie Crist sees his approval ratings rebound, even as other governors see their numbers fade.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-guv-remains-popular-despite-his-states-economic-ills/2164/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-18T18:06:53-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla.-guv-remains-popular-despite-his-states-economic-ills/2164/#When:22:14:53Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Navy to Move Carrier from Virginia to Florida</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/navy&#45;to&#45;move&#45;carrier&#45;from&#45;virginia&#45;to&#45;florida/2157/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The announcement brought protests from Virginia&#8217;s two U.S. senators and Gov. Tim Kaine
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/navy-to-move-carrier-from-virginia-to-florida/2157/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-17T18:57:39-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/navy-to-move-carrier-from-virginia-to-florida/2157/#When:23:05:39Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla.&#8216;s Martinez May Face Tough Re&#45;election in 2010</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/flas&#45;martinez&#45;may&#45;face&#45;tough&#45;re&#45;election&#45;in&#45;2010/2144/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But even before Sen. Mel Martinez &#8211; or any Democrat &#8211; has said they will be a candidate in 2010 for his Senate seat, political analysts are predicting Florida&#8217;s junior senator is in for a tough battle if he does runs again.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/flas-martinez-may-face-tough-re-election-in-2010/2144/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-14T08:30:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/flas-martinez-may-face-tough-re-election-in-2010/2144/#When:12:38:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Tampa Bay Congressional Clout May Be Waning</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa&#45;bay&#45;congressional&#45;clout&#45;may&#45;be&#45;waning/2133/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The political winds that swept president-elect Barack Obama to victory may have also eroded some of the Tampa-Bay area&#8217;s congressional clout.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa-bay-congressional-clout-may-be-waning/2133/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-13T09:27:59-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/tampa-bay-congressional-clout-may-be-waning/2133/#When:13:35:59Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>No. 3 House Republican Explains Why He&#8217;s Stepping Down</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/us&#45;houses&#45;no&#45;3&#45;republican&#45;explains&#45;why&#45;hes&#45;stepping&#45;down/2095/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    People "obsessed with Potomac Fever" may not understand, but Florida Rep. Adam Putnam, 34, says he's content with his decision.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/us-houses-no-3-republican-explains-why-hes-stepping-down/2095/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-05T17:42:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/us-houses-no-3-republican-explains-why-hes-stepping-down/2095/#When:21:50:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama Captures White House, History</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;captures&#45;white&#45;house&#45;history/2089/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    High Turnout Swings Florida, And The Nation, To Obama<br />
<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-captures-white-house-history/2089/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-05T01:15:26-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-captures-white-house-history/2089/#When:05:23:26Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Poll Watchers, not Just Voters, Head to Precincts</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;poll&#45;watchers&#45;not&#45;just&#45;voters&#45;head&#45;to&#45;precincts/2056/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    State has become poster child for voting chaos.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-poll-watchers-not-just-voters-head-to-precincts/2056/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-03T18:31:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-poll-watchers-not-just-voters-head-to-precincts/2056/#When:22:39:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Prez Race: It&#8217;s Been Uncharted, Weird Territory</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez&#45;race&#45;its&#45;been&#45;long&#45;weird&#45;historical/2048/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But now it's your turn to decide
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez-race-its-been-long-weird-historical/2048/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-02T19:24:01-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez-race-its-been-long-weird-historical/2048/#When:23:32:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Palin: Obama &#8216;Exploiting&#8217; Seniors&#8217; Fears</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/palin&#45;obama&#45;exploiting&#45;seniors&#45;fears/2046/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Says John McCain will protect Social Security and not cut Medicare
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/palin-obama-exploiting-seniors-fears/2046/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-11-01T15:36:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/palin-obama-exploiting-seniors-fears/2046/#When:19:44:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>McCain&#8217;s Electoral Fate Could Impact Florida GOP</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/mccains&#45;electoral&#45;fate&#45;will&#45;impact&#45;florida&#45;republicans/2042/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    One lawmaker, Tampa area U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, could even be in danger of losing his House GOP conference leadership post unless McCain coattails can blunt expected heavy part congressional losses.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/mccains-electoral-fate-will-impact-florida-republicans/2042/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-31T21:20:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/mccains-electoral-fate-will-impact-florida-republicans/2042/#When:01:28:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP may be losing hold on the South</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gop&#45;may&#45;be&#45;losing&#45;hold&#45;on&#45;the&#45;south/2030/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The days of the solid Republican South may be ending. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gop-may-be-losing-hold-on-the-south/2030/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-30T14:44:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gop-may-be-losing-hold-on-the-south/2030/#When:18:52:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama Hammers McCain on Economic Issues</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/dont&#45;let&#45;up&#45;obama&#45;urges&#45;supporters/2027/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    He also tells supporters who fill a ballpark in Sarasota, Fla.-- a Republican stronghold -- to work hard over next five days
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/dont-let-up-obama-urges-supporters/2027/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-30T10:54:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/dont-let-up-obama-urges-supporters/2027/#When:15:02:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Ready to Vote? They&#8217;re Not</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/ready&#45;to&#45;vote&#45;theyre&#45;not/2013/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Less than a week before the presidential election, some Floridians still haven&#8217;t decided between John McCain and Barack Obama. They are still looking for something &#8211; anything -- that could help them make a choice.<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/ready-to-vote-theyre-not/2013/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-28T19:51:01-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/ready-to-vote-theyre-not/2013/#When:23:59:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Biden &#8220;Tired of Blue, Red&#8221;</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/biden&#45;tired&#45;of&#45;blue&#45;red/2008/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Declaring "America has a purple heart!," he pays a visit to Republican territory. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/biden-tired-of-blue-red/2008/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-27T21:01:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/biden-tired-of-blue-red/2008/#When:01:09:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jill Biden Tells Voters To Get Involved In Close Florida Race</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/jill&#45;biden&#45;tells&#45;voters&#45;to&#45;get&#45;involved&#45;in&#45;close&#45;florida&#45;race/1995/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Her pitch in Tampa and other stops comes as Michelle Obama makes similar plea in national radio address
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/jill-biden-tells-voters-to-get-involved-in-close-florida-race/1995/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-25T16:07:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/jill-biden-tells-voters-to-get-involved-in-close-florida-race/1995/#When:20:15:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Official: We&#8217;ll Allow GAO Poll Watchers</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;official&#45;well&#45;allow&#45;gao&#45;poll&#45;watchers/1978/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Secretary of State Kurt Browing had initially said "no" to letting federal researchers monitor accessibility at voting sites for the disabled, elderly.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-official-well-allow-gao-poll-watchers/1978/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-23T15:20:01-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-official-well-allow-gao-poll-watchers/1978/#When:19:28:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Florida Balking At Prospect of Federal Poll Watchers</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida&#45;balking&#45;at&#45;prospect&#45;of&#45;federal&#45;poll&#45;watchers/1946/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is asking Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to reconsider his administration's position against allowing federal poll watchers in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and two other counties on Election Day. 
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-balking-at-prospect-of-federal-poll-watchers/1946/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-21T07:30:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-balking-at-prospect-of-federal-poll-watchers/1946/#When:11:38:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama Discusses Mortgages As Florida Trip Begins</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama&#45;discusses&#45;mortgages&#45;as&#45;florida&#45;trip&#45;begins/1944/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    In a state ravaged by plunging home values and foreclosures, where early voting started Monday, Barack Obama hit both subjects hard at a rally in Tampa.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-discusses-mortgages-as-florida-trip-begins/1944/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-21T07:16:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/obama-discusses-mortgages-as-florida-trip-begins/1944/#When:11:24:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Sex Scandal Lands Mahoney on List of Troubled Lawmakers</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/sex&#45;scandal&#45;lands&#45;mahoney&#45;on&#45;long&#45;list&#45;of&#45;troubled&#45;lawmakers/1916/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Despite Rep. Tim Mahoney's problems, analysts say neither party has the upper hand on ethics this campaign.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/sex-scandal-lands-mahoney-on-long-list-of-troubled-lawmakers/1916/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-15T16:16:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/sex-scandal-lands-mahoney-on-long-list-of-troubled-lawmakers/1916/#When:20:24:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Prez TV Ad&#45;Spending Grows; McCain Goes Negative</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez&#45;tv&#45;ad&#45;spending&#45;grows&#45;mccain&#45;goes&#45;negative/1874/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    A non-partisan study shows Barack Obama outspent John McCain in most battleground states, and nearly all of McCain's ads carried "negative" or harsh overtones.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez-tv-ad-spending-grows-mccain-goes-negative/1874/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-08T15:28:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez-tv-ad-spending-grows-mccain-goes-negative/1874/#When:19:36:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Senate Confirms New U.S. Attorney for Fla.&#8216;s Middle District</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate&#45;confirms&#45;new&#45;us&#45;attorney&#45;for&#45;flas&#45;middle&#45;district/1823/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But will a switch in presidential administration's make his stay in the job a short one?
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate-confirms-new-us-attorney-for-flas-middle-district/1823/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-02T18:06:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate-confirms-new-us-attorney-for-flas-middle-district/1823/#When:22:14:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Experts Handicap Vice Presidential Debate</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/experts&#45;handicap&#45;vice&#45;presidential&#45;debate/1814/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Palin&#8217;s early appearances as John McCain&#8217;s running mate projected someone ready to shake-up Washington. But that has given way to questions about her readiness for the job, amplified by rambling performances in TV interviews. Biden also is not gaffe-proof.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/experts-handicap-vice-presidential-debate/1814/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-10-01T11:12:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/experts-handicap-vice-presidential-debate/1814/#When:15:20:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>95 Democrats Help Defeat Bailout Bill</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/putnam&#45;bailout&#45;inaction&#45;would&#45;be&#45;like&#45;ignoring&#45;approaching&#45;hurricane/1806/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Florida's freshman Rep. Kathy Castor is among those who buck Speaker Nancy Pelosi and help scuttle what many derided as the "Bush plan." Castor says Congress needs to go back to the drawing board this week.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/putnam-bailout-inaction-would-be-like-ignoring-approaching-hurricane/1806/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-29T11:21:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/putnam-bailout-inaction-would-be-like-ignoring-approaching-hurricane/1806/#When:15:29:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Senate Approves Scriven for Fla.&#45;based U.S. District Judgeship</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate&#45;approves&#45;scriven&#45;for&#45;fla&#45;based&#45;us&#45;district&#45;judgeship/1780/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Tampa-based judge approved today along with nine other Bush nominees for the federal bench.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate-approves-scriven-for-fla-based-us-district-judgeship/1780/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-26T14:32:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/senate-approves-scriven-for-fla-based-us-district-judgeship/1780/#When:18:40:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Financial Crisis Muddies Presidential Debate</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/postponing&#45;debate&#45;a&#45;good&#45;idea&#45;of&#45;mccain&#45;political&#45;gamesmanship/1768/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    The nation's economic meltdown and the controversial bailout proposal shook up the presidential race Wednesday, as Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama sought to put their stamps on the solution to the crisis.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/postponing-debate-a-good-idea-of-mccain-political-gamesmanship/1768/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-25T03:58:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/postponing-debate-a-good-idea-of-mccain-political-gamesmanship/1768/#When:08:06:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Florida Senators Have Different Take On Bailout Plan</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida&#45;senators&#45;have&#45;different&#45;take&#45;on&#45;bailout&#45;plan/1753/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Martinez says quick action needed, but Nelson says not without limits on executive pay, more protections for homeowners.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-senators-have-different-take-on-bailout-plan/1753/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-22T15:27:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-senators-have-different-take-on-bailout-plan/1753/#When:19:35:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Prez Campaign Ad Spending A Roadmap To Battlegrounds</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez&#45;campaign&#45;ad&#45;spending&#45;a&#45;roadmap&#45;to&#45;battlegrounds/1746/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Spending by McCain, Obama show NC, Virginia -- like Florida -- remain battlegrounds.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez-campaign-ad-spending-a-roadmap-to-battlegrounds/1746/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-19T12:53:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/prez-campaign-ad-spending-a-roadmap-to-battlegrounds/1746/#When:17:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>In Florida, New Voters Could Be a Key</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/in&#45;florida&#45;new&#45;voters&#45;could&#45;be&#45;a&#45;key/1739/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    A significant Democratic lead this year in new registered voters in Florida represents a potential leg up for the party's presidential candidate, Barack Obama.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/in-florida-new-voters-could-be-a-key/1739/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-18T07:23:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/in-florida-new-voters-could-be-a-key/1739/#When:11:31:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. House Members Urge Senate Action on Tax Break Renewal</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;house&#45;members/1737/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Otherwise, special break given to residents in Florida and other six other states might not be available for 2008 tax year.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-house-members/1737/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-17T15:16:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-house-members/1737/#When:19:24:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. Congressman&#8217;s Son Charged in Alien Smuggling</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;congressmans&#45;son&#45;charged&#45;in&#45;alien&#45;smuggling/1734/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Arrest of Allen Boyd's 30-year-old son occurred on Sunday in Arizona.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-congressmans-son-charged-in-alien-smuggling/1734/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-16T16:07:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-congressmans-son-charged-in-alien-smuggling/1734/#When:20:15:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Palin pick motivates conservatives to campaign for Republican ticket</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/palin&#45;pick&#45;motivates&#45;conservatives&#45;to&#45;campaign&#45;for&#45;republican&#45;ticket/1726/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    McCain has impressed and energized conservatives with his vice presidential choice.<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/palin-pick-motivates-conservatives-to-campaign-for-republican-ticket/1726/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-12T14:36:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/palin-pick-motivates-conservatives-to-campaign-for-republican-ticket/1726/#When:18:44:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House Leaders Assuage Floridians&#8217; Gulf Drilling Fears</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/house&#45;leaders&#45;assuage&#45;floridians&#45;gulf&#45;drilling&#45;fears/1715/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    In new energy bill, House Democrats will not call for expanded drilling off Florida's Gulf Coast. But it will allow new drilling off Atlantic coast of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/house-leaders-assuage-floridians-gulf-drilling-fears/1715/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-11T09:40:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/house-leaders-assuage-floridians-gulf-drilling-fears/1715/#When:13:48:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Florida Rep: Military Not On Board With Expanded Gulf Drilling</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida&#45;rep&#45;military&#45;not&#45;on&#45;board&#45;with&#45;expanded&#45;gulf&#45;drilling/1709/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Rep. Bill Young says Pentagon worries of obtructions to training missions in Gulf of Mexico
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-rep-military-not-on-board-with-expanded-gulf-drilling/1709/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-10T10:18:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-rep-military-not-on-board-with-expanded-gulf-drilling/1709/#When:14:26:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Florida May Be Top Prize</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida&#45;may&#45;be&#45;top&#45;prize/1703/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Presidential Race Becomes a 2-month Sprint.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-may-be-top-prize/1703/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-08T07:21:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/florida-may-be-top-prize/1703/#When:11:29:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP Delegates Get  McCain as American Hero Theme</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gop&#45;delegates&#45;get&#45;mccain&#45;as&#45;american&#45;hero&#45;pitch/1638/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    But Democrats question whether character, bravery as POW necessarily qualifies him for White House.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gop-delegates-get-mccain-as-american-hero-pitch/1638/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-09-02T21:17:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/gop-delegates-get-mccain-as-american-hero-pitch/1638/#When:01:25:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reaction To Palin as McCain Veep Choice Mixed</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/reaction&#45;to&#45;palin&#45;as&#45;mccain&#45;veep&#45;choice&#45;mixed/1596/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Floridians don't know the Alaska governor very well, but Democrats say she is no Hillary Clinton.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/reaction-to-palin-as-mccain-veep-choice-mixed/1596/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-29T14:06:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/reaction-to-palin-as-mccain-veep-choice-mixed/1596/#When:18:14:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>After Speech, Clinton Pays Special &#8216;Thank You&#8217; Visit</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/after&#45;speech&#45;clinton&#45;pays&#45;special&#45;thank&#45;you&#45;visit/1512/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    With Bill Clinton alongside, she also tells Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey delegates to not take Democratic victory in November for granted.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/after-speech-clinton-pays-special-thank-you-visit/1512/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-27T07:59:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/after-speech-clinton-pays-special-thank-you-visit/1512/#When:12:07:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>For Many Black Delegates, the Moment Is At Hand</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/for&#45;many&#45;black&#45;delegates&#45;the&#45;moment&#45;is&#45;at&#45;hand/1487/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Obama's monumental rise to presidential candidate signals an end to limitations based on race. Some blacks compare it to civil rights era victories.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/for-many-black-delegates-the-moment-is-at-hand/1487/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-26T12:24:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/for-many-black-delegates-the-moment-is-at-hand/1487/#When:16:32:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Companies Paying for Convention Parties, Meals</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/companies&#45;paying&#45;for&#45;convention&#45;parties&#45;meal/1482/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Watchdog Keeps Eye On Hands That Feed Conventions <br />
<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/companies-paying-for-convention-parties-meal/1482/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-25T20:15:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/companies-paying-for-convention-parties-meal/1482/#When:00:23:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. Delegates Snub Pro&#45;drilling Senator</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;delegates&#45;snub&#45;pro&#45;drilling&#45;senate/1481/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    They Turn Down Lousiana's Mary Landrieu's Offer To Explain "Gang of 10" Proposal
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-delegates-snub-pro-drilling-senate/1481/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-25T20:04:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-delegates-snub-pro-drilling-senate/1481/#When:00:12:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Democrats Aim For United Front At Convention</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/democrats&#45;aim&#45;for&#45;united&#45;front&#45;at&#45;convention/1462/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    Obama To Deliver Speech On Thursday.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/democrats-aim-for-united-front-at-convention/1462/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-24T08:55:01-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/democrats-aim-for-united-front-at-convention/1462/#When:13:03:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Why Denver?</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/why&#45;denver/1446/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                     Dems see emerging prez battlegrounds in New West, and hope convention will underscore focus on region.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/why-denver/1446/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-19T19:08:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/why-denver/1446/#When:23:16:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. Congresswoman&#8217;s Husband Dies of Cancer</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;congresswomans&#45;husband&#45;dies&#45;of&#45;cancer/1445/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    He encouraged his wife, Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, even at the end<br />
<br />

                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-congresswomans-husband-dies-of-cancer/1445/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-19T19:00:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-congresswomans-husband-dies-of-cancer/1445/#When:23:08:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Fla. Guard Objects To Housing For Troops In Training</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla&#45;guard&#45;objects&#45;to&#45;housing&#45;conditions&#45;for&#45;troops&#45;in&#45;training/1435/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
                    With influential congressman's help, 35 Florida National Guard medics and other soldiers are allowed to check out of sweltering huts and into a Holiday Inn while training in Texas.
                    <a href="http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-guard-objects-to-housing-conditions-for-troops-in-training/1435/"}">more</a>
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>2008-08-14T17:15:00-05:00</pubDate>
          <guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/fla-guard-objects-to-housing-conditions-for-troops-in-training/1435/#When:21:23:00Z</guid>
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