http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08 ... latestnews
Florida Sen. Mel Martinez said Friday he is resigning to return to Florida and his family.

The first-term U.S. senator made a formal announcement at a 3 p.m.news conference in Orlando, saying he promised he wouldn't "simply warm a seat."

He told his staffers at a meeting Friday morning that will not return to Congress after the August recess.

"My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country and at this stage in my life, and after nearly 12 years of public service in Florida and Washington, it's time I return to Florida and my family," Martinez said in a letter to friends and supporters, obtained by FOX News.

"So today I'm announcing my decision to step down from public office, effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term."

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Local News
Politicians Respond to Martinez Resignation
By
Jeremy Ratliff
@ August 7, 2009 11:56 AM Permalink | Comments (1)

Several politicians respond to Senator Mel Martinez's resignation. Read his comments below...

Governor Charlie Crist:

"I have a great deal of respect for my good friend Mel Martinez. I know this decision was a difficult one for him, but I think he is doing what he believes is right for him and his family.

"We will immediately begin the process of selecting an appropriate replacement to serve the remainder of Senator Martinez's term and I look forward to making an announcement in the coming weeks."

Senate Canidate Marco Rubio:

"Mel Martinez's life is a testament to the boundless promise that exists in America, where a young Cuban exile can come to the United States without his parents and rise to become a Cabinet secretary and U.S. senator. As he looks ahead towards the next phase of his life, I wish him and his family all the best.

"As Governor Crist considers who he will appoint as Florida's next U.S. senator, I urge him to take great care in his selection. Florida deserves an interim senator who will go to Washington and serve as a true check on President Obama's push for more wasteful government spending, government-run health care and cap-and-trade. The last thing Florida needs is a U.S. senator that will stand with President Obama instead of challenging the wrong direction he is leading our country and offering constructive conservative solutions moving forward."

Go to the article for the other politicians' statements.