Is Senator Mel Martinez of Florida a Republican or a Democrat?
U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican, said he will give up his seat because it’s “time I return to Florida and my family.” In an e-mail to supporters, Martinez said he will leave the Senate when a successor takes office to finish his term. Martinez, 62, announced in December he wouldn’t seek re-election next year. He is serving his first term in the Senate. Florida Governor Charlie Crist, a Republican, is in charge of appointing an interim replacement for Martinez. Crist said in May that he will run for the seat. Javi Correoso, executive director of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County, said the senator will make an announcement at 3 p.m. in Orlando. He provided a copy of Martinez’s e-mail. “Because you’re a friend, I wanted you to know first about the decision I will announce today to step down from public office,” Martinez said in the e-mail. “I have enjoyed my time in the Senate and have the utmost respect for my colleagues and the institution.” Martinez decided not
