Dec 2, 2008 7:36 pm US/Eastern
Sen. Mel Martinez Not Running For Re-election
ORLANDO (CBS4) ―
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Sen. Mel Martinez speaks about immigration legislation during Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute briefing on Capitol Hill May 18, 2006, in Washington, DC.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
A major surprise and shake up to the Republican faithful in Florida, U.S. Senator Mel Martinez has announced that he will not seek a second term in 2010.
"With deep love for this country and with sincere gratitude to the people who placed their trust in me, I announce that I will not run for reelection to the United States Senate," said Martinez at a news conference in Orlando. "I thank all of those who helped me reach the highest elected office that an immigrant can hold in this great country. And I especially thank my family, who has supported me every step of the way - especially Kitty, who has sacrificed much more than me and without whom none of this would have been possible."
Martinez said the reasons for him not seeking a second term were two fold.
"The thought of devoting more time to my roles as husband, dad, granddad, brother and son to the family I love and cherish, and to be Mel to the friends I miss - makes this decision far easier than one might think," said Martinez.
He added that he made the announcement now because he wanted to give other Republican candidates enough time to mount their campaigns.
Click Here to read Martinez's full announcement.
Martinez was elected in 2004 after serving as the U.S. secretary for Housing and Urban Development for President George W. Bush. He also served as General Chairman of the GOP from November, 2006 until October 19, 2007.
Martinez came to the America from Cuba as part of the Catholic church's humanitarian effort called "Operation Pedro Pan" in 1962. Catholic charitable groups provided Martinez, who was alone and spoke virtually no English, a temporary home at two youth facilities. He then lived with two foster families, with whom he remains close. He was reunited with his family in Orlando in 1966.
He was the first Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Speculation about who would run for Martinez' seat began immediately after his announcement.
A spokesman for Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami said the congressman was "definitely looking into it." Outgoing Florida House Democratic leader Dan Gelber, who was elected to the state Senate last month, said he was considering a run, and a spokeswoman for Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan of Sarasota said the congressman was receiving calls of encouragement.
Other names mentioned as possible candidates include Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein of Palm Beach County and former House speakers Marco Rubio and Allan Bense, both Republicans.
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