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    <title>Local Politics for Jackson County Floridan</title>
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        <title>Local Politics for Jackson County Floridan</title>
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    <dc:creator>Jackson County Floridan</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-20T11:30:55-06:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Group backed by lawyers behind controversial flier</title>
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          <description><![CDATA[
A group associated with a trial lawyers lobby has admitted it financed a flier with racial overtones sent to voters in a recent special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by the death of Sen. Jim King.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:40 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Mayor pleads no contest</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/mayor_pleads_no_contest/94957/</link>
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Marianna Mayor Paul Donofro Jr. has entered a no contest plea to charges of boating under the influence and resisting arrest without violence, according to court records.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:30:25 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Compass Lake residents ask for county&#8217;s help</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/compass_lake_residents_ask_for_countys_help/94642/</link>
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Some property owners at Compass Lake in the Hills have petitioned the Jackson County Commission for changes in the ordinance which governs the Municipal Services Taxing Unit, or MSTU, in their subdivision.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:30:56 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>City approves list for water line improvement</title>
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The Marianna City Commission on Monday selected a contractor to replace water lines, and to patch or resurface the roads that will have to be torn up to get at those lines.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:47 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Sneads to place conditions on bar</title>
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          <description><![CDATA[
Sneads City Council members are taking action to keep their streets quiet on Saturday nights after they were told the state attorney would not.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:30:45 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>New locks for town park</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/new_locks_for_town_park/91558/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Grand Ridge is trying to secure its park.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:30:33 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Grand Ridge mill rate at zero</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/grand_ridge_mill_rate_at_zero/91556/</link>
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Grand Ridge is one step closer to finalizing its budget for next year after Thursday&#8217;s public budget work session.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:30:07 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Cottondale keeps city manager after all</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/cottondale_keeps_city_manager_after_all/90425/</link>
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Cottondale won&#8217;t see a change in its immediate future, after the city commission decided Thursday to keep Willie Cook as the city manager. The commission thereby reversed a decision it took just last month not to renew his contract.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:55:11 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Sen. Martinez to resign, return to private sector</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/gop_sen._martinez_tells_supporters_hes_resigning/86662/</link>
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ORLANDO &#8212; 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.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:34:15 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Judge&#8217;s ruling goes against Corps</title>
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Judge Paul A. Magnuson ruled Friday that Georgia must cease withdrawing water from Lake Lanier within three years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:30:35 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Marianna mayor arrested</title>
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The mayor of Marianna was arrested and charged with boating under the influence Saturday evening and spent some time in the county jail that night before being released on the order of a judge.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:28:37 CST</pubDate>
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          <title>Malone councilman arrested</title>
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A Malone town council member was arrested on methamphetamine-related charges Friday, law enforcement officials report.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 19:39:21 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama wants Fed to be finance supercop</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_wants_fed_to_be_finance_supercop/71821/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; The Federal Reserve could become the supercop for &#8220;too big to fail&#8221; companies capable of causing another financial meltdown under a proposal being seriously considered by the White House.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 15:35:09 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Aide resigns over NYC flyover; probe continues</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/aide_resigns_over_nyc_flyover_probe_continues/71818/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; The Pentagon and Air Force are reviewing whether their officials may be partly to blame for a $328,835 photo-op of a jumbo jet used by the president soaring above New York City that has already forced the White House military director to step down.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 08:22:59 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Durden re&#45;elected in Grand Ridge</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/durden_re-elected_in_grand_ridge/68307/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Incumbent commissioner Ronnie Durden was re-elected to his seat on the Grand Ridge commission Tuesday.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:15 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Voters in Sneads return Lewis</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/voters_in_sneads_return_lewis/68305/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SNEADS &#8212; Sneads residents voted to keep the status quo with the city council, re-electing council President Greg Lewis Tuesday.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:06 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Wise re&#45;elected</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/wise_re-elected/68304/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
By 35 votes, Marianna Mayor James Wise was re-elected to the Marianna City Commission Tuesday, based on unofficial results for the city&#8217;s election.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:00:36 CST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Grand Ridge gets new mayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/grand_ridge_gets_new_mayor/68302/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Grand Ridge has voted a new mayor &#8212; maybe.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:10:45 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/grand_ridge_gets_new_mayor/68302/#When:03:10:45Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama widens al&#45;Qaida war, making it his own</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_widens_al-qaida_war_making_it_his_own/65629/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Widening war in &#8220;the most dangerous place in the world,&#8220; President Barack Obama launched a fresh effort Friday to defeat al-Qaida terrorists in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, defending his strategy with shades of the dire language of George W. Bush.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:58:18 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_widens_al-qaida_war_making_it_his_own/65629/#When:16:58:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>CEOs say economic plans look good, want details</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/ceos_say_economic_plans_look_good_want_details/65626/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Top executives of the nation&#8217;s biggest banks said Friday after meeting with President Barack Obama that they will work with the administration on its economic recovery plans, but want more specifics from the White House.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 06:57:53 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/ceos_say_economic_plans_look_good_want_details/65626/#When:12:57:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Math whiz kid meets the president</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/math_whiz_kid_meets_the_president/63103/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Being a mathematics whiz kid added up to a special moment Monday for 17-year-old Maxim Rabinovich of Wimauma, Fla.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:41:56 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/math_whiz_kid_meets_the_president/63103/#When:16:41:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>$2.2 billion in stimulus bill for Florida remains uncertain</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/2.2_billion_in_stimulus_bill_for_florida_remains_uncertain/63102/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith will share a stage Tuesday with the person who must decide whether Florida will qualify for as much as $2.2 billion in education-related stimulus funds. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:39:32 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/2.2_billion_in_stimulus_bill_for_florida_remains_uncertain/63102/#When:16:39:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Warner a target on labor issue</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/warner_a_target_on_labor_issue/62993/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON - Labor advocates and business leaders are turning up the heat on freshman Sen. Mark Warner, a self-described &#8220;radical centrist.&#8220;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:41:17 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/warner_a_target_on_labor_issue/62993/#When:22:41:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama overturns Bush policy on stem cells</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_overturns_bush_policy_on_stem_cells/62966/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reversing Bush policy, President Barack Obama on Monday cleared the way for a significant increase in federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research and promised no scientific data will be &#8220;distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:00:13 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_overturns_bush_policy_on_stem_cells/62966/#When:22:00:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tracking local stimulus dollars on web site not easy</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/tracking_local_stimulus_dollars_on_web_site_not_easy/62761/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Web site launched by the White House last month to allow citizens to keep track of where stimulus dollars are going is getting 3,000 hits per second and already has registered more than 150 million hits altogether.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:15:56 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/tracking_local_stimulus_dollars_on_web_site_not_easy/62761/#When:17:15:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Former USF football player lost at sea is mourned</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/former_usf_football_player_lost_at_sea_is_mourned/62769/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. &#8212; A week after two NFL players and two of their friends sailed into the Gulf of Mexico on a fishing trip that turned disastrous, family, friends and the lone survivor paid tribute to one of the missing men.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:33:53 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/former_usf_football_player_lost_at_sea_is_mourned/62769/#When:04:33:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Credit woes could increase Fla. insurance rates</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/credit_woes_could_increase_fla._insurance_rates/62477/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Florida&#8217;s insurance commissioner says the national credit crunch could lead to higher hurricane coverage premiums and more home foreclosures.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:06:04 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/credit_woes_could_increase_fla._insurance_rates/62477/#When:22:06:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House panel passes tobacco regulation</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/house_panel_passes_tobacco_regulation/62429/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON - A House panel passed a sweeping tobacco regulation bill Wednesday, putting it on pace for passage by the full House far earlier in the congressional session than last year.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:20:32 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/house_panel_passes_tobacco_regulation/62429/#When:17:20:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Omnibus bill: Florida lawmakers face tough choices</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/omnibus_bill_florida_lawmakers_face_tough_choices/62302/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; Hundreds of millions of dollars for Florida projects ranging from money to dredge the Port of Tampa to youth-gang prevention efforts and municipal beautification efforts are at stake in a catch-all spending bill the Senate is expected to vote on Thursday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:39:04 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/omnibus_bill_florida_lawmakers_face_tough_choices/62302/#When:00:39:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama to name Fla. official to head FEMA</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_name_fla._official_to_head_fema/62257/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; President Barack Obama today announced his intention to nominate Florida&#8217;s disaster management chief, Craig Fugate, to head the much-criticized Federal Emergency Management Agency.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:42:21 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_name_fla._official_to_head_fema/62257/#When:19:42:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House panel likely to pass tobacco regulation today</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/house_panel_likely_to_pass_tobacco_regulation_today/62245/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;A House panel is expected to approve today sweeping tobacco regulation that would put the bill on pace for House passage far earlier in the congressional session than in the last Congress.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:25:10 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/house_panel_likely_to_pass_tobacco_regulation_today/62245/#When:19:25:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>IRS looks for people owed refund checks</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/irs&#45;looks&#45;for&#45;people&#45;owed&#45;refund&#45;checks/2452/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Internal Revenue Service is looking for taxpayers who are missing more than 279,000 economic stimulus checks totaling about $163 million and more than 104,000 regular refund checks totaling about $103 million that were returned by the U.S. Postal Service due to mailing address errors.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:45:09 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/irs&#45;looks&#45;for&#45;people&#45;owed&#45;refund&#45;checks/2452/#When:15:45:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senator outlines health care agenda</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/warner&#45;outlines&#45;health&#45;care&#45;agenda/2611/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON-The government should offer incentives for health care providers to adopt federally-approved computer networks and treatment practices, Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., said Tuesday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:39:20 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/warner&#45;outlines&#45;health&#45;care&#45;agenda/2611/#When:15:39:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Florida lawmakers convene 2009 regular session</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/florida_lawmakers_convene_2009_regular_session/62053/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Florida Legislature convened its 2009 regular session Tuesday with the state in such a dire financial condition that even the staunchest conservatives said lawmakers would have to at least consider tax and fee increases.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:00:16 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/florida_lawmakers_convene_2009_regular_session/62053/#When:22:00:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Preserved for a price, parks on endangered list</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/preserved_for_a_price_parks_on_endangered_list/61895/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The economic downturn has forced states around the country to shutter historic sites and reduce visiting hours for parks. But in Florida, Illinois, California and a few other places, closures have been forestalled after outcries from the public and budget-juggling by officials.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:00:53 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/preserved_for_a_price_parks_on_endangered_list/61895/#When:22:00:53Z</guid>
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          <title>States urged to improve probation, parole programs</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/states_urged_to_improve_probation_parole_programs/61898/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The number of people on parole and probation across the United States has surged past 5 million, according to a new report which says financially struggling states can save money in the long run by investing in better supervision of these offenders.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:59:21 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/states_urged_to_improve_probation_parole_programs/61898/#When:20:59:21Z</guid>
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         <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[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Is Florida&#8217;s population about to be undercounted again           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:49:56 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/controversy&#45;simmers&#45;as&#45;2010&#45;census&#45;approaches/2602/#When:14:49:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Controversy simmers as 2010 census approaches</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/controversy_simmers_as_2010_census_approaches/61513/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; Is Florida&#8217;s population about to be undercounted again?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:37:50 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/controversy_simmers_as_2010_census_approaches/61513/#When:21:37:50Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama outlines budget priorities</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_outlines_budget_priorities/61340/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;President Barack Obama says his $3.6 trillion federal budget plan for 2010 begins to deliver on some of his campaign promises. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:16:28 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_outlines_budget_priorities/61340/#When:23:16:28Z</guid>
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          <title>Jordanian indicted for illegal contributions</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/jordanian_indicted_for_illegal_contributions/61321/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
LOS ANGELES &#8212; A Jordanian businessman was indicted by a Jordanian indicted for illegal contributions           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:39:04 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/jordanian_indicted_for_illegal_contributions/61321/#When:21:39:04Z</guid>
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          <title>Sheriff looks for money for more deputies</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/sheriff_looks_for_money_for_more_deputies/61104/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With a new drug dog in training, Jackson County Sheriff Lou Roberts is trying to sniff out a source of funding to replace the two deputies he plans to use in creating a drug interdiction team for the Jackson County Drug Task Force.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:35:17 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/sheriff_looks_for_money_for_more_deputies/61104/#When:20:35:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Florida Lt. Gov. Kottkamp faces ethics complaint</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/florida_lt._gov._kottkamp_faces_ethics_complaint/60927/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Pinellas County activist said Tuesday that he is filing an ethics complaint against Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp over the cost to the state of flying and driving Kottkamp between his Fort Myers home and Tallahassee.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:55:03 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/florida_lt._gov._kottkamp_faces_ethics_complaint/60927/#When:21:55:03Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama nixes plan to tax motorists on mileage</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_nixes_plan_to_tax_motorists_on_mileage/60510/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; President Barack Obama on Friday rejected his transportation secretary&#8217;s suggestion that the administration consider taxing motorists based on how many miles they drive instead of how much gasoline they buy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:09:25 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_nixes_plan_to_tax_motorists_on_mileage/60510/#When:22:09:25Z</guid>
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          <title>Stimulus funding sought for high&#45;speed rail plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/stimulus_funding_sought_for_high-speed_rail_plan/60401/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TAMPA &#8212; High-speed rail looked dead four years ago, but backers of the proposal say it&#8217;s being resuscitated now thanks to the recently approved federal stimulus package. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:40:43 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/stimulus_funding_sought_for_high-speed_rail_plan/60401/#When:16:40:43Z</guid>
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          <title>FEMA&#8217;s fate debated</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/femas_fate_debated/60227/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;With President Barack Obama urged by some to reinstate the Federal Emergency Management Agency to separate cabinet-level status, a new federal report argues that such a move would hurt the nation&#8217;s homeland security &#8220;apparatus.&#8220;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:56:45 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/femas_fate_debated/60227/#When:21:56:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Analysis: Meltdown could force college aid shift</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/analysis_meltdown_could_force_college_aid_shift/60074/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Who should be first in line for help from the government to pay for college? It&#8217;s a debate that hits hot-button questions about fairness and opportunity, and lately, many experts think the middle class has been winning.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:43:25 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/analysis_meltdown_could_force_college_aid_shift/60074/#When:22:43:25Z</guid>
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          <title>States scramble to figure out how to spend stimulus</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/states_scramble_to_figure_out_how_to_spend_stimulus/59928/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; As President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed an economic recovery package, state officials are scrambling to figure out how to spend the expected windfall on roads, schools, health care for the poor and other needs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:14:14 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/states_scramble_to_figure_out_how_to_spend_stimulus/59928/#When:01:14:14Z</guid>
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          <title>Florida universities lose gift matching grants</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/florida_universities_lose_gift_matching_grants/59715/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) &#8212; Fundraising is already tough right now for non-profits, but it just got a little tougher for three of the state&#8217;s public universities. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:24:54 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/florida_universities_lose_gift_matching_grants/59715/#When:19:24:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senators warn state may not get money</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/senators_warn_state_may_not_get_money/59549/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8211; Florida&#8217;s senators on Friday wrote to Education Secretary Arne Duncan asking for swift help so the state may qualify for the $2.7 billion it would get from a key funding category of the stimulus bill.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:17:24 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/senators_warn_state_may_not_get_money/59549/#When:21:17:24Z</guid>
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          <title>Fla. regulator OKs State Farm&#8217;s pullout from state</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/fla._regulator_oks_state_farms_pullout_from_state/59455/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) &#8212; Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty opened the door Friday for State Farm Florida to withdraw from the state&#8217;s property insurance market, but only after it meets several stipulations.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:58:11 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/fla._regulator_oks_state_farms_pullout_from_state/59455/#When:22:58:11Z</guid>
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          <title>Stimulus bill passes in the House</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/crist_castor_praise_stimulus_plans_potential_for_florida/59405/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; Although many details remained unclear, early estimates are that Florida could get at least $10 billion from the $789 billion economic stimulus package passed today by the House 246-183. The Senate is to vote later today.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:18:58 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/crist_castor_praise_stimulus_plans_potential_for_florida/59405/#When:17:18:58Z</guid>
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          <title>Gov. Crist pleased although stimulus less for Fla.</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/gov._crist_pleased_although_stimulus_less_for_fla/59277/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) &#8212; Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday that he was still pleased with a compromise federal stimulus plan although Florida likely will get less money than anticipated.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:09:34 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/gov._crist_pleased_although_stimulus_less_for_fla/59277/#When:00:09:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Agreement announced in race for stimulus bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/agreement_announced_in_race_for_stimulus_bill/59063/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Moving with lightning speed, key lawmakers announced agreement Wednesday on a $789 billion economic stimulus measure designed to create millions of jobs in a nation reeling from recession. President Barack Obama could sign the bill within days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:07:44 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/agreement_announced_in_race_for_stimulus_bill/59063/#When:22:07:44Z</guid>
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          <title>Peanut Co. owner refuses to testify to Congress</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/peanut_co._owner_refuses_to_testify_to_congress/59056/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The owner of a peanut company refused to testify to Congress on Wednesday amid the disclosure that he urged his workers to ship bacteria-tainted products, pleading with federal health officials that he should be able &#8220;turn the raw peanuts on the floor into money.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:10 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/peanut_co._owner_refuses_to_testify_to_congress/59056/#When:22:00:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fired former lawmaker had porn on computer</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fired_former_lawmaker_had_porn_on_computer/59044/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A report released by state officials says a former state representative fired from his job at the Department of Juvenile Justice had pornography on his state computer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:45:16 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fired_former_lawmaker_had_porn_on_computer/59044/#When:20:45:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Database: Banks Receiving TARP Funds</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/datapage/database&#45;banks&#45;receiving&#45;tarp&#45;funds</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This database includes all banks (as of Feb. 9) that received funding under the federal government&#8217;s $700 billion rescue package of financial institutions, the Troubled Assets Relief Program or TARP.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:11:48 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/datapage/database&#45;banks&#45;receiving&#45;tarp&#45;funds#When:18:11:48Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. may get less under new stimulus bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/fla._may_get_less_under_new_stimulus_bill/58987/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; Cash-strapped Florida could lose out on millions of dollars if Congress&#8217; final version of a massive economic stimulus bill ends up reflecting the $838 billion Senate bill passed Tuesday, rather than one the House approved last week.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:45:05 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/fla._may_get_less_under_new_stimulus_bill/58987/#When:16:45:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Republican Gov. Crist introduces Obama in Florida</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/republican_gov._crist_introduces_obama_in_florida/58806/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
After months of standing in front of crowds chanting &#8220;Drill, baby, drill,&#8220; Gov. Charlie Crist stepped in front of a microphone Tuesday to shouts of &#8220;Yes We Can.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:00:39 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/republican_gov._crist_introduces_obama_in_florida/58806/#When:22:00:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama hails stimulus vote during Fla. visit</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_hails_stimulus_vote_during_fla._visit/58771/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
FORT MYERS &#8212; President Barack Obama hailed the Senate&#8217;s passage of a massive economic rescue plan on Tuesday but warned that there&#8217;s more work to do as lawmakers begin difficult talks on a final deal.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:37:59 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_hails_stimulus_vote_during_fla._visit/58771/#When:18:37:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Putnam OK&#8217;s more privately funded trips than most lawmakers</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/putnam_oks_more_privately_funded_trips_than_most_lawmakers/58750/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON - GOP Rep. Adam Putnam approved more privately funded trips for congressional staffers last year than all but nine other members of 435-seat U.S. House or 100-seat Senate.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:48:23 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/putnam_oks_more_privately_funded_trips_than_most_lawmakers/58750/#When:16:48:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hundreds queue for tickets to Obama event in Fla.</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/hundreds_queue_for_tickets_to_obama_event_in_fla/58595/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
People in line for tickets to President Obama&#8217;s town hall meeting in southwest Florida say they were told there were none left &#8212; 25 minutes after the box office opened.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:35:15 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/hundreds_queue_for_tickets_to_obama_event_in_fla/58595/#When:21:35:15Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP whip pans Iraq, stimulus plans</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/gop_whip_pans_iraq_stimulus_plans/58532/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, on a trip to Central Asia and the Middle East, says Iraq is a &#8220;fragile success&#8221; but that an accelerated withdrawal of U.S. forces would be unwise.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:43:18 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/gop_whip_pans_iraq_stimulus_plans/58532/#When:15:43:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>White House pushes for recovery package</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_pushes_for_recovery_package/58132/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; 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.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:43:40 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_pushes_for_recovery_package/58132/#When:22:43:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Crist backing new central Fla. commuter rail bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/crist_backing_new_central_fla._commuter_rail_bill/57887/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Charlie Crist is backing an effort to revive a proposed commuter rail line for central Florida.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:33:21 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/crist_backing_new_central_fla._commuter_rail_bill/57887/#When:21:33:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. House speaker quits over college job scandal</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._house_speaker_quits_over_college_job_scandal/57668/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Trouble started for one of Florida&#8217;s most powerful state officials the day he took his post. Now, just over two months into his tenure, GOP Speaker Ray Sansom has stepped down.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:00:09 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._house_speaker_quits_over_college_job_scandal/57668/#When:22:00:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Crist told Fla. ready for federal stimulus money</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/crist_told_fla._ready_for_federal_stimulus_money/57529/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Florida has lists of &#8220;shovel ready&#8221; transportation and environmental projects that can swiftly put federal stimulus funds to work, state officials Monday told Gov. Charlie Crist.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:00:05 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/crist_told_fla._ready_for_federal_stimulus_money/57529/#When:22:00:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Illinois governor thrown out of office</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/illinois_governor_thrown_out_of_office/57015/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Illinois lawmakers have not only thrown out Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY&#8217;-uh-vich), they have barred him from ever holding public office in the state again.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:18:25 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/illinois_governor_thrown_out_of_office/57015/#When:00:18:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama signs equal&#45;pay bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_signs_equal-pay_bill/57013/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama signed an equal-pay bill into law Thursday before cheering labor and women leaders who fought hard for it and the woman whose history-making lawsuit gave impetus to the cause.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:59:13 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_signs_equal-pay_bill/57013/#When:23:59:13Z</guid>
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          <title>Ledbetter preps for D.C. trip to see namesake bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/ledbetter_preps_for_d.c._trip_to_see_namesake_bill/56825/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lilly Ledbetter says she doesn&#8217;t mind that her namesake equal pay legislation won&#8217;t help her recoup money she lost through gender discrimination years ago &#8212; trumping the U.S. Supreme Court is enough.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:45:37 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/ledbetter_preps_for_d.c._trip_to_see_namesake_bill/56825/#When:23:45:37Z</guid>
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          <title>Boyd to run for the House, not the Senate</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/boyd_to_run_for_the_house_not_the_senate/56800/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello has decided against running for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Mel Martinez.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:49:46 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/boyd_to_run_for_the_house_not_the_senate/56800/#When:20:49:46Z</guid>
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          <title>Miss. mayor indicted on Katrina fraud charges</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/miss._mayor_indicted_on_katrina_fraud_charges/56789/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The mayor of a Mississippi city devastated by Hurricane Katrina pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he lied to get disaster assistance to repair his damaged beachfront home.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:30:15 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/miss._mayor_indicted_on_katrina_fraud_charges/56789/#When:20:30:15Z</guid>
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          <title>Fla. stands to gain billions from stimulus plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._stands_to_gain_billions_from_stimulus_plan/56795/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Florida stands to gain billions of dollars from the U.S. House&#8217;s stimulus plan.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:29:28 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._stands_to_gain_billions_from_stimulus_plan/56795/#When:20:29:28Z</guid>
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          <title>Attorney general questions house speaker&#8217;s meeting</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/attorney_general_questions_house_speakers_meeting/56634/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Florida&#8217;s attorney general says a meeting between the state&#8217;s house speaker and a Panhandle college appears to violate the state&#8217;s open meeting laws.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:40:50 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/attorney_general_questions_house_speakers_meeting/56634/#When:22:40:50Z</guid>
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          <title>Crist vetoes $364M from Fla. deficit package</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/crist_vetoes_364m_from_fla._deficit_package/56632/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Charlie Crist used his line-item veto power to undo $364 million in spending cuts, trust fund raids and money shifts Tuesday as he signed into law a series of bills designed to avert a current-year budget deficit of at least $2.3 billion.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:13:12 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/crist_vetoes_364m_from_fla._deficit_package/56632/#When:22:13:12Z</guid>
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          <title>Grand jury to look into Fla. Speaker&#8217;s dealings</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/grand_jury_to_look_into_fla._speakers_dealings/56393/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A grand jury Monday asked for an investigation into House Speaker&#8217;s Ray Sansom&#8217;s dealings with a Panhandle college.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:30:05 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/grand_jury_to_look_into_fla._speakers_dealings/56393/#When:22:30:05Z</guid>
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          <title>Fla. commission OKs open government suggestions</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._commission_oks_open_government_suggestions/56396/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Commission on Open Government Reform will send a nearly 200-page report to Gov. Charlie Crist this week on how to make government and records more accessible.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:36:52 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._commission_oks_open_government_suggestions/56396/#When:21:36:52Z</guid>
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          <title>Fla. House Speaker Sansom hires second attorney</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._house_speaker_sansom_hires_second_attorney/56186/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom has hired a prominent criminal defense attorney to represent him in possible state and federal investigations.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:33:40 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._house_speaker_sansom_hires_second_attorney/56186/#When:21:33:40Z</guid>
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          <title>Floridians like idea of hiking cigarette tax by $1</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/floridians_like_idea_of_hiking_cigarette_tax_by_1/55906/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Miamian Robert Gonzalez says a $1 tax hike on a pack of cigarettes might just be enough to make him quit smoking after 20 years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:30:03 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/floridians_like_idea_of_hiking_cigarette_tax_by_1/55906/#When:22:30:03Z</guid>
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          <title>Task force recommends rate hike for Floridians</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/task_force_recommends_rate_hike_for_floridians/55909/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A task force looking to return Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to its original status as an insurance company of last resort recommended Thursday that lawmakers hike homeowner rates by as much as 20 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:57:21 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/task_force_recommends_rate_hike_for_floridians/55909/#When:21:57:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Slideshow: 2009 Inaugural Parade</title>
          <link>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/slideshows/20090121parade/index.html</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
See photo highlights of the first couple and the crowd cheering them along the route.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:42:13 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/slideshows/20090121parade/index.html#When:16:42:13Z</guid>
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          <title>Slideshow: Scenes from the 2009 Inaugural Ball</title>
          <link>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/slideshows/20090121balls/index.html</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Photos from last night&#8217;s Presidential festivities in D.C.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:41:05 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/slideshows/20090121balls/index.html#When:16:41:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>The Mall draws onlookers from all over the world</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/the&#45;mall&#45;draws&#45;onlookers&#45;from&#45;all&#45;over&#45;the&#45;world/2425/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8211; They came from all over the world&#8212;from as close-in as the Washington suburbs to as far away as London. No matter where their home, though, people on the National Mall Tuesday had one goal in mind &#8211; to be part of President Barack Obama&#8217;s historic swearing-in. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:15:44 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/the&#45;mall&#45;draws&#45;onlookers&#45;from&#45;all&#45;over&#45;the&#45;world/2425/#When:16:15:44Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama to Nation: Let&#8217;s Pick Ourselves Up</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_nation_lets_pick_ourselves_up/55678/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Somber yet optimistic, Barack Obama was sworn-in Tuesday as the nation&#8217;s first African-American president, declaring it time for Americans to &#8220;pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin the work of remaking America.&#8221;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:04:23 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_nation_lets_pick_ourselves_up/55678/#When:16:04:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Applications due for 4th Fla. high court opening</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/applications_due_for_4th_fla._high_court_opening/55566/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Applications are due for a fourth Florida Supreme Court vacancy in the past year.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:42:06 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/applications_due_for_4th_fla._high_court_opening/55566/#When:22:42:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama parades to White House after historic oath</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_parades_to_white_house_after_historic_oath/55562/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Barack Hussein Obama grasped the reins of power as America&#8217;s first black president on Tuesday, declaring the nation must choose &#8220;hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord&#8221; to overcome the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:33:28 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_parades_to_white_house_after_historic_oath/55562/#When:22:33:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mobile group prepares for inaugural parade</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/mobile_group_prepares_for_inaugural_parade/55514/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8211; They arrived in buses from Mobile, Ala., bundled in scarves, jeans and coats.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:18:12 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/mobile_group_prepares_for_inaugural_parade/55514/#When:16:18:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Marianna family takes in inauguration festivities</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/marianna_family_takes_in_inauguration_festivities/55396/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Jackson Countian William Long and family picked up their tickets for Tuesday&#8217;s inauguration today, and spent the balance of the day sight-seeing and getting their bearings for the historic Tuesday ceremony.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:32:00 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/article/marianna_family_takes_in_inauguration_festivities/55396/#When:19:32:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Packing a nation&#8217;s hopes, Obama rides rails to DC</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/packing_a_nations_hopes_obama_rides_rails_to_dc/55214/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tracking Abraham Lincoln&#8217;s historic path to Washington, President-elect Barack Obama launched a four-day inaugural celebration Saturday before thousands of chilled but cheering onlookers from Philadelphia to the nation&#8217;s capital. He promised to bring the country &#8220;a new Declaration of Independence&#8221; &#8212; free from small thinking, prejudice and bigotry.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:30:27 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/packing_a_nations_hopes_obama_rides_rails_to_dc/55214/#When:22:30:27Z</guid>
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          <title>Fla. Legislature passes business loan bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._legislature_passes_business_loan_bill/54705/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
At least 34 Florida businesses will be able to obtain low-interest loans from the state to help them expand.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:55:26 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._legislature_passes_business_loan_bill/54705/#When:20:55:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>The President&#45;Elect and Spider&#45;Man</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/the_president-elect_and_spider-man/54654/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.&#8212;Bret Parks figured that the latest issue of the comic The Amazing Spider-Man would draw lots of fans because it features an appearance by Barack Obama.
Click here for more on the inauguration.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:24:35 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/the_president-elect_and_spider-man/54654/#When:17:24:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Going to the Mall on Inauguration Day?</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/going_to_the_mall_on_inauguration_day/54629/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
These tips can make your day a little easier if you&#8217;re planning to be on the National Mall for Barack Obama&#8217;s inauguration.
Click here for more on the inauguration.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:25:20 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/going_to_the_mall_on_inauguration_day/54629/#When:16:25:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Shades of FDR in Obama&#8217;s First 100 Days</title>
          <link>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/shades&#45;of&#45;fdr&#45;in&#45;obamas&#45;first&#45;100&#45;days/2353/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON-As Barack Obama plans his first 100 days as president, he has looked for inspiration to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who raced through his early days in office, spurring Congress to act.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:24:02 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/shades&#45;of&#45;fdr&#45;in&#45;obamas&#45;first&#45;100&#45;days/2353/#When:16:24:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. Gov. Crist, lawmakers differ on Indian deal</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._gov._crist_lawmakers_differ_on_indian_deal/54510/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A House committee examining a potential gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe was told the agreement Gov. Charlie Crist already signed essentially doesn&#8217;t exist.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:05:56 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._gov._crist_lawmakers_differ_on_indian_deal/54510/#When:23:05:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Judge: Seminole Co can use St. John&#8217;s River water</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/judge_seminole_co_can_use_st._johns_river_water/54496/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A judge has recommended that state water authorities grant Seminole County&#8217;s request to take water from the St. Johns River.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:39:26 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/judge_seminole_co_can_use_st._johns_river_water/54496/#When:21:39:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senator Nelson says missing American in Iranian prison</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/senator_nelson_says_missing_american_in_iranian_prison/54495/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson says he believes a former FBI agent who has been missing for nearly two years is likely being held in a secret prison in Iran.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:10:42 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/senator_nelson_says_missing_american_in_iranian_prison/54495/#When:21:10:42Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Quiz: What do you know about the President&#45;elect?</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/quiz_what_do_you_know_about_the_president-elect/54420/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Think you know all there is to know about the President-elect? Test your knowledge with our Barack Obama biographical quiz. Good luck!            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:34:57 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/quiz_what_do_you_know_about_the_president-elect/54420/#When:15:34:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Your guide to the Inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/your_guide_to_the_inauguration/54416/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON - The Inauguration festivities aren&#8217;t as simple as President-elect Barack Obama taking the oath of office.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:21:35 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/your_guide_to_the_inauguration/54416/#When:15:21:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fla. Rep. Meek to run for Senate</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._rep._meek_to_run_for_senate/54309/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, who led the effort to put class-size limits in the state constitution, plans to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, sources close to Meek say.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:00:33 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/fla._rep._meek_to_run_for_senate/54309/#When:22:00:33Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Security will be tighter than ever for inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/security_will_be_tighter_than_ever_for_inauguration/54241/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON-Police in riot gear. Military troops patrolling the nation&#8217;s capital. Bridges from Virginia into Washington, D.C., closed to public traffic.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:11:21 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/security_will_be_tighter_than_ever_for_inauguration/54241/#When:16:11:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Ala. Supreme Court reverses abortion case ruling</title>
          <link>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/ala._supreme_court_reverses_abortion_case_ruling/54112/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Alabama Supreme Court reversed a lower court&#8217;s decision Friday and ruled a Birmingham nurse charged with illegally performing abortions can claim she acted with a doctor&#8217;s permission.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:17:14 CST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/ala._supreme_court_reverses_abortion_case_ruling/54112/#When:21:17:14Z</guid>
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