For the first time in a quarter century, much of North Central Florida is represented by a new member of Congress.
     Ted Yoho--the Tea Party favorite who defeated longtime incumbent Cliff Stearns in the Republican Primary-- was sworn in Thursday at the beginning of the 113th Congress.
     Later, Yoho's ceremonial swearing in by House Speaker john Boehner may have been an uncomfortable meeting--Yoho was one of a handful of Republicans who voted against Boehner in his bid to remain Speaker.  Yoho cast a vote for Majority Leader Eric Cantor.  In a media release, Yoho explained that he believes American leaders have lost their way and "What I have seen from the Republican Party is the re-arranging of the deck chairs on the Titanic."
     The other Republican representing North Central Florida, Rep. Richard Nugent, voted for Boehner.  The Democrat representing our region, Rep. Corrine Brown, voted for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
     Boehner was re-elected speaker, and during the opening session, reminded the House that, "We are their servants.  As Speaker, I pledge to listen and do all i can to help you carry out the oath you are about to take."
     Boehner now faces several big challenges including the debt ceiling and avoiding many of the automatic spending cuts that will put him at odds with the White House and some in his own party.