QuoteWASHINGTON â€" Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida will resign from the Senate this fall, more than a year before his term ends, according to several GOP sources.
Martinez planned a Friday afternoon announcement in Florida to officially divulge his plans. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to do so before his announcement.
Martinez already had said he would not seek re-election, but had fended off rumors that he would give up the seat early.
His decision puts Republican Gov. Charlie Crist â€" who is running to replace Martinez â€" in charge of filling the seat in the interim.
In a letter to friends and supporters obtained by The Associated Press, Martinez says he's stepping down early for personal reasons.
"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 wrote.
The note says his resignation will be "effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term."
Adios is all I have to say about him... :-X
Crist is going to appoint someone...
a) that will not be willing to run for their own term outright, and/or
b) someone that he will be posititioned to easily beat to earm the GOP nomination himself
...since he's eyeing a Senate spot anyway.
How about John Delaney?
I wish he would appoint himself. That way we could vote him right outta there!!!
Martinez was about as exciting as shag carpet. Nelson is a small step up. Please GIVE us someone who can lead our state in DC. Corrine gets more press than either Mel or Nelson. Geez!