Florida Senator Mel Martinez Stepping Down
Mel Martinez , Republican of Florida, will resign from his office by the end of August for personal reasons, aides say. Martinez had already decided not to run for re-election in 2010, but had previously insisted that he would not resign.
Senator Martinez has told supporters in a statement that he will resign his Senate seat as soon as a replacement can be found.
Senator Martinez was quoted as saying:
“My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country and at this stage in my life, and after nearly twelve years of public service in Florida and Washington, it’s time I return to Florida and my family.
So today I am announcing my decision to step down from public office, effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term.”