Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Romney Gains in Florida - a Quinnipiac poll released today shows Mitt Romney beginning to pull away from the pack with 38% with Newt Gingrich, after an initial surge, dropping nine points back at 29%. Texas Rep. Ron Paul has 14% and Rick Santorum is at 12%. Quninnipiac.com has more here.

The debate last night and recent comments blasting Newt Gingrich from former Majority Leader Bob Dole, should help Romney solidify his lead. If, Santorum finishes last in Florida on Tuesday, the pressure for him to drop out will be intense.

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4th Quarter Economic Growth Highest in 11/2 Years - the U.S. gross domestic product grew at 2.8% in the fourth quarter, up from 1.8% of the preceding three quarters. The Federal Reserve has estimated growth this year to fall between 2.2% and 2.7%. Reuters.com has more here.

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Obama Concludes Swing State Tour - the president will head home to D.C. after delivering a speech in Ann Arbor, Michigan on education. Obama will speak later in the day to House Democrats in Cambridge, Maryland where they are holding a retreat.

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Gillibrand Offers Insider Trading Bill - the senate is expected to vote on the bill next week. It is co-sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.). President Obama called for this bill to be passed in his SOTU Address. TheHill.com has more here.

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