|
|
Article: GOP Sen. Martinez tells supporters he's resigning
- Article from:
- AP Online
- Article date:
- August 7, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (Hide copyright information)
|
Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida said Friday he will resign from the Senate as soon as a replacement can be appointed, leaving the seat more than a year before his term ends.
Martinez, the only Hispanic Republican in the Senate, revealed his plans in a statement to supporters and was expected to publicly announce the decision Friday afternoon in Florida.
The first-term senator already had announced in December that he would not seek re-election in 2010, but had fended off rumors that he would give up the seat early.
His decision puts Republican Gov. Charlie Crist _ who is running to replace him _ in charge of filling the seat in the interim. Crist said Friday as he ...