Mel Martinez To Retire From Senate In 2010

One of the more annoying Republican Senators is retiring at the end of his term in 2 years.

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, who has struggled to boost public support because of his close ties to President George W. Bush, announced Tuesday he will not seek a second term in 2010, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.

The Republican pushed an immigration reform bill that was unpopular with many in his party, and his seat was widely seen as vulnerable in two years. However, Martinez rejected suggestions he faced difficult re-election prospects in a state won last month by Democrat Barack Obama.

"I've faced much tougher obstacles in my life," Martinez said. "My decision is not based on re-election prospects, but on what on what I want to do with the next eight years of my life."

While I can't stand Martinez, there's no doubt that his personal story is one that probably couldn't happen any where but America. He came here from Cuba at age 15, spoke no English and rose to become a cabinet secretary and Senator. That's impressive regardless of his politics.

But here's a reminder of the kind of rhetoric that made Martinez so obnoxious.

I think we have to understand that the (2006 midterm) election did speak to one issue, and that was that it’s not about bashing people, it’s about presenting a hopeful face. … Border security only, enforcement only, harshness only is not the message that I believe America wants to convey.”

That was Martinez right after the 2006 midterms and just as he was about to become chairman of the RNC. I'm not sure what school of leadership argues that you should misrepresent and insult the people you are supposed to represent, especially right after a crushing defeat, but apparently Mel is a follower of it.

Let the scrambling begin!

posted by DrewM. at 01:38 PM

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