Report: Martinez Could Leave Senate Early -- Could Crist Get In?
Are in for some real political fireworks in Florida?
Roll Call reports that lame-duck Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) is considering an early resignation, rather than serve out the rest of his term through 2010. Meanwhile, the potential Republican field is all waiting on word from Governor Charlie Crist, who is said to be seriously considering a run.
The rub here is that Crist might then be presented with the opportunity appoint himself to the seat - either doing it directly or by resigning and having his Lt. Governor do the job for him -- which sounds just a little too good to be true. The history of governors appointing themselves to the Senate is almost entirely negative. The last person to do this was Governor-turned-Senator Wendell Anderson (D-MN), whose move into Walter Mondale's Senate seat in December 1976 resulted in a Republican landslide all across Minnesota in 1978.
If Martinez does end up deciding that he'd like to leave the Senate early, Crist would be well-advised to pick someone else to keep the seat warm.
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
No way does crist run for the senate in 2010. No way. Why on earth would he do that? He is governor of a huge state, which is much better than being a senator and a much better launching pad for the presidency. Also, he will run for reelection as governor in 2010, ride out a second term and then run for president in 2016. That makes a heck of alot more sense than giving up a governorship to be a back bench senator in the minority party. No way.
February 2, 2009 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why would Martinez leave early?
I'm pretty fed-up with this Senate seat filling process.
February 2, 2009 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Simple, give a republican a leg up in the senate run in 2010. Being an incumbent, even only a short two years, would give the republican an advantage.
I'm fed-up with the Senate seat filling process as well.
February 2, 2009 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm fed up too. Isn't Martinez a first term Senator? I mean, what's wrong with the job, exactly? If you don't want to serve, why in the hell did you run in the first place? Something really strange about this.
February 2, 2009 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I actually looked it up. He is only in his first term and he is "retiring." Something is very strange about what is going on with him. There must be some major scandal in the works ready to explode. Otherwise, there is no logical explanation.
February 2, 2009 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I say good riddance. Mel has been "in" one term too many, as far as I'm concerned. Sure, Crist can hold the seat until 2010. I'd rather have him over Martinez any day.
THEN--I'd like to see Graham take the seat back. He'd win overwhelmingly if there were an open election.
Let the games begin!
February 2, 2009 3:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
How very convenient. Wasn't it just a matter of days ago that JEB Bush indicated he would not run for the seat in 2010? Something smells in Denmark, indeed.
February 2, 2009 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
He must want to spend more time with his family.
Either that, or he's had a gay love affair with a meth addict.
February 2, 2009 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink