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Mel Martinez out, placeholder coming

by Mark Silva

Resignation news from Republican ranks:

Sen. Mel Martinez, the Florida Republican who announced last winter that he would not seek a second term next year, announced today that he will step down more than a year before his term ends. He already had stepped down as a national GOP chairman.

While a resignation such as this could set off a chain of dominoes, the Florida governor who gets to appoint a replacment for Martinez may be avoiding that.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a popular Republican back home, already is running for the Senate seat that Martinez is forfeiting. Crist said today, boarding a plane in Tampa, that he will not appoint himself to the seat. Instead, he is expected to seat a placeholder.

Names mentioned include the retired Sen. Connie Mack (Cornelius McGillicuddy III to those who know him best), former Florida Gov. Bob Martinez, a one-termer who lost his own bid for reelection, and former Florida Secretary of State and Attorney General Jim Smith, who is a lobbyist and one fine turkey hunter.

Martinez (pictured here in an photo) who is the only Hispanic senator on the Republican side of the aisle, was a member of former President George W. Bush's Cabinet, too, as Housing secretary. The Cuban-born lawyer was facing tough odds if he sought reelection.

"My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country, and at this stage in my life, and after nearly 12 years of public service in Florida and Washington, it's time I return to Florida and my family," Martinez told supporters in an email today:

"Because you're a friend, I wanted you to know first about the decision I will announce today to step down from public office.

Twelve years ago I offered myself as a candidate for public office in Florida out of a deep sense of appreciation for what America and the people of Florida did for me as a young immigrant to this country.

In 1997, Kitty and I decided it was time to give back and we entered the public arena, first as Mayor of Orange County, then as a Member of the President's cabinet and now as a United States Senator. Through those experiences I have gained the greatest respect for the people of Florida and have enjoyed serving their interests.

When I began my term as Senator, I promised I wouldn't simply warm a seat; I promised to take on the difficult issues and work to make a difference. Keeping that promise has meant pressing for help and assistance for families struggling to keep their homes, their jobs, and their confidence that our country is safe.

And on that note, I am especially grateful to the men and women of our military and their families whom I have had the distinct honor of representing in Washington and I thank them for their service to our country.

As a US Senator, I have also had a platform to speak against the oppression of the Cuban regime and my hope for a better future for the people of Cuba. I will continue that lifelong passion in the next phase of my life. I will always be grateful to the people of Florida for bestowing on me the singular honor of representing them in the United States Senate.

My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country and at this stage in my life, and after nearly twelve years of public service in Florida and Washington, it's time I return to Florida and my family.

So today I am announcing my decision to step down from public office, effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term.

I have enjoyed my time in the Senate and have the utmost respect for my colleagues and the institution. I especially thank Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for his guidance and insight.

I look forward to continuing to be an active and constructive voice on issues vital to Florida and our nation, and being an active member of Florida's Republican Party.

Lastly, Kitty and I would like to thank you for all your support. You have been helpful in countless ways. As I begin this new chapter in my life, I look forward to seeing more of you and your family."