Big political news from Florida today. According to Steve Bosquet, one of the most plugged-in political reporters in that state, Mel Martinez is not running for re-election:
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez plans a major announcement in Orlando shortly and a highly-placed Republican source says Martinez will announce that he's not seeking re-election and that he may leave his seat in advance of the end of his term in 2010. That would open the door for Gov. Charlie Crist to appoint a replacement in advance of a wide-open Senate race in '10.The quitting early part adds some intrigue. Will Crist appoint Jeb Bush to get him back on the national stage? Republicans tend to plan these moves out. So, maybe this is all just a GOP scheme to get Sarah Palin out of the limelight. But, would putting up a Bush really help the Republicans?
