Gainesville Sun/AP: GOP Sen. Martinez tells supporters he's resigning

[Larry]

Link (http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090807/ARTICLES/908079976/1002/NEWS01?Title=GOP-Sen-Martinez-tells-supporters-he-s-resigning).


ORLANDO - Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida said Friday he will step down from the Senate before his term ends, adding fresh intrigue over who will fill the seat.

. . .

Martinez's decision puts Republican Gov. Charlie Crist — who is running to replace him — in charge of filling the job in the interim. During a news conference in Tampa, Crist said he would not appoint himself and he has "lots of volunteers." The governor said he would make an announcement in the coming weeks.

[Midnight Judges]

I've never disliked Martinez because he's an FSU alum and because I like his views on immigration. However, I'm always skeptical when politicians step down unexpectedly. I realize he wasn't going to run for another term but why not stick it out for one more year? I've never heard of anything improper from the guy. Timing is just wierd.

And yeah, that sure puts Crist in a an awkward position.

[Larry]

And yeah, that sure puts Crist in a an awkward position.

I wonder if there's a residency requirement.

Maybe he can appoint Sarah Palin.

:evil:

[Mickalino]

I've never disliked Martinez because he's an FSU alum and because I like his views on immigration. However, I'm always skeptical when politicians step down unexpectedly. I realize he wasn't going to run for another term but why not stick it out for one more year? I've never heard of anything improper from the guy. Timing is just wierd.

Can't a politician step down, for possible legitimate and personal reasons, without people getting suspicious of them ? Give him the benefit of the doubt, until we get the facts, and before we assume it's another scandal.....especially someone like Martinez, who is known for being a good guy.

[Larry]

Can't a politician step down, for possible legitimate and personal reasons, without people getting suspicious of them ?

Uh, honestly, . . .

[mjah]

I wonder if there's a residency requirement.

Maybe he can appoint Sarah Palin.
With a year and a half left to serve, she'd never make it. :D

[twa]

Good line Mjah :hysterical:

[Teller]

I think the senate-seat market in Florida is a good bit stronger than Illinois. This one oughta draw a pretty penny. :)

[Larry]

I think the senate-seat market in Florida is a good bit stronger than Illinois. This one oughta draw a pretty penny. :)

Yeah, the thought did occur to me that I bet he doesn't discuss it over the phone.

But I really think the biggest irony is that it's now the Governor's job to pick the guy who will be the incumbent when the governor runs for the seat, a year from now.

[twa]

I'm sure he can find someone with no long term aspirations to keep it warm for him...it will be rather remarkable if he chooses otherwise.

Lotta old geezers to choose from in Florida:silly:

added
He will likely gain support and funding directly from the appointment...tis the way the game is played.
Lotta families will pay a great deal to have former Senator in their line....NOT that that would ever happen:halo:

[Larry]

Actually, the thought occurred to me that Rush Limbaugh owns a house in Florida.

:evil:

[JMS]

Can't a politician step down, for possible legitimate and personal reasons, without people getting suspicious of them ? Give him the benefit of the doubt, until we get the facts, and before we assume it's another scandal.....especially someone like Martinez, who is known for being a good guy.


Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas
Jim Bunning of Kentucky
Christopher Bond of Missouri
Sam Brownback of Kansas
Judd Gregg of New Hampshire
George Voinovich of Ohio
Mel Martinez of Florida


That's what the seventh GOP Republican Senator to take himself out of the next election cycle.... more than half the GOP senators up for re-election in 20010 are declining to go before their electorates. ( 40 GOP Seats / 3 > 14

hald of 14 is 7?

This is the GOP trying to reinvent itself and further distance itself from the stuffed shirts who enabled the Bush administration and try to defend their seats while trying to pick up a few. They are trying to get the folks out who are most suseptable to the Democratic attempt to tie them to what went on under GW's administration.

It's an interesting tactic. It means a lot of new blood in the Senate. New Bood equals new Ideas, hopefully.


( two democrats have anounced they won't seek re-election both of them were appointed to fill their seats. Obama's replacement and Biden's replacement.