Winners of the week

State Reps. Steve Crisafulli and Mike Clelland.

Republican colleagues unanimously picked Crisafulli to replace Rep. Chris Dorworth as House speaker in 2014. Dorworth lost a shocker re-election battle to newcomer Clelland, whose victory was an added boost for Democrats who have shown a pulse after being dominated for years in the Florida House.

Loser of the week

U.S. Rep. Allen West. A judge on Friday denied the bombastic South Florida lawmaker's request for a recount of early votes in St. Lucie County. The canvassing board later said it would and counting began Saturday. But it's increasingly clear that West's attempt to take his seat back from Democrat Patrick Murphy is over.