Dec 2, 2008 11:33 pm US/Eastern
Mel Martinez Shifts Florida's Political Universe
WASHINGTON (CBS4) ―
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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The political universe in Florida is shifting—again. Republican U.S. Senator Mel Martinez made sure of that Tuesday. He announced he will not seek a second Senate term in 2010, saying he wants to spend more time with family.
Some political handicappers say Martinez saw a tough race ahead, looked at his modest approval ratings—at best—and decided another campaign was not worth it.
Whatever the motivation, the decision by the former Orange County mayor, and former HUD secretary under President Bush, sets the jockeying for Martinez's seat into motion.
Fernando Amandi with the polling firm, Bendixen & Associates says, "The opportunity exists for any Democrat who can show he has a message that appeals to concerns and handling the economic crisis."
Party sources mention several possible Democratic contenders for the Senate seat that will now be open in 2010. They include two South Florida congressmen: Kendrick Meek and Ron Klein, Tampa congresswoman Kathy Castor and new Florida state senator Dan Gelber.
Gelber, from Miami Beach, did not play the usual game of "who me?" He candidly said he's "interested" and talked about his "passion for public service."
Several sources discount interest in a Senate bid by Weston Democratic congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. They say her increasing profile and power in the U.S. House make it unlikely that she'd give up the secure seat she now occupies.
On the Republican side potential contenders will wait to see what Florida Governor Charlie Crist decides. Party sources on both sides of the aisle think he'll choose to pursue a second term as governor, rather than a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2010.
If they are right, look for these GOP names to be bandied about: Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, little-known but well regarded GOP congressmen Adam Putnam from Hillsborough County, and Connie Mack from Naples.
Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio is openly talking about his interest in running for statewide office in 2010. He's made no final decision, but talks about "fundamental decisions about government" being made now in Washington. Rubio clearly relishes the chance to be part of that debate. Like other potential contenders, he will make that political calculation in the months to come.
The political season never ends.
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