Mel Martinez To Retire

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Washington Post

Florida Sen. Mel Martinez (R) has decided against seeking a second term, a decision he will formalize shortly in the Sunshine State, according to an informed party source.

Martinez's decision was based on a desire for more free time and a less scheduled life, said the source. The first term senator also was an almost certain Democratic target in two years time although those familiar with Martinez's political prospects insisted his strengths in South Florida, coupled with his political base along the I-4 corridor, made his path to reelection possible.

Martinez's retirement ensures a competitive and costly open seat race in Florida. State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, widely seen as Democrats' strongest potential candidate, has apparently decided that she would not run but may well reconsider that decision given Martinez's expected announcement today. Democratic Reps. Ron Klein and Kendrick Meek as well as state Sen. Dan Gelber are likely to consider the open seat race.

On the Republican side, there may well be a push to recruit former Gov. Jeb Bush into the contest although that seems like a long shot. State Attorney General Bill McCollum will almost certainly be mentioned as will state Senate President Jeff Atwater and former state House speaker Marco Rubio. Rep. Vern Buchanan may also consider a run.

Read more: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/12/mel_mar...

[SpiralHawk]

1. "We want Da Jebster & his Occult 'Shadow Government" - Citrus Cankers

"FlordiDuh really needs more of the patented BFEE occultism, lies, favors for rich cronies, and FAIL freakery, and Da Jebster can, um, Give It to FloriDuh with his, um, a, call for an anti-American 'Republicon Shadow Government' or whatever. D'oh."

- Citrus Cankers

[NJmaverick]

2. I am guessing he is tired of having to pretend Freepers are not complete nut jobs

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Enrique]

3. no fun being in a permanent minority

I think more GOP senators should consider retiring as well, for their own well-being.

And isn't a name missing from that list of GOP hopefuls? Katherine Harris anyone?

[Dappleganger]

4. Great news!

I am tired of calling and emailing his sorry ass, knowing that he never listens to his constituents.

[Dr.Phool]

5. Martinez is a complete waste of good air, anyway.

Alex Sink is probably the best choice. I like her.

And please, somebody stick Dizzy Lieberman-Schultz in a box for 2 years. I think she has eyes on that seat also. Hence, all of her visibility for the last 8 months.

[otohara]

6. Hallelujah

he's a jerk.

[florida08]

7. good

wasn't much of a senator anyway. Doesn't want to help the auto industry and never wrote me back on the issues.

[Phred42]

8. The fascists just can't take it.

If they can't control everything they take their cookies and go home.

Good.

[zipplewrath]

9. A real conundrum

He was always a strange case for me. He was relatively moderate, and pratical. But he was also willing to hitch his wagon to the nut jobs of the GOP. He got all mixed up in the Shiavo mess when he didn't have to. Yet he also started one of the most "liberal" social programs whilst the head of HUD. I suspect he is a democrat that go mixed up in GOP politics at the local/state level and never figured out how to "change".

[FriendlyReminder]

10. Good Riddance !!!!

This guy couldn't go fast enough in my opinion. I wish he could have been gone years ago.

[grantcart]

11. The likely Democratic Nominee? Madfloridian, of course.

[lenegal]

12. Bye bye Martinez. Hell no to Jeb

He did so much damage to the state of FL that he dare not run for Martinez's seat.

[lib2DaBone]

13. JEB doesn't need the seat.. he has already stolen more than he can spend...

we need a new thief in that seat. Someone is is hungry and ruthlesss, someone who could care less about Florida .. just like JEB. Someone willing to steal elections like Katherine Harris. (Boob jobs are expensive you know).

Vern Buchanan would be a good fit. The car dealer turned politician is the wealthiest man in CONgress. He is known for taking huge CEO payouts and his slimy off-shore insurance business in the Cayman Islands would be perfect fit for Florida business.

He could team up with the Mafia or the Indian Casinos... sell all the toll roads in the State, raise the fees, then pump the money back into a shadow Republican bank in Cozumel. GOP will power at work.

[Best_man23]

14. I anticipated JEB to run against Nelson in 2012

But after the last 4 years, I don't think Floridians will want anyone with the name of BUSH in Washington.

If JEB runs, Democrats should do as much as possible to tie JEB to Dumbyas failed policies.

[JCMach1]

15. Shit, this will be JEBtm's seat...

That's why Sink isn't running in 2010...

Very bad news. JEBtm will win which makes him the 2016 nominee for Pres.

Crap Crap Crap

W was stupid...

JEBtm is EVIL...