CNN

Reality--the story might be plausible if it had been moved to, say, Syria. However, Canada???

Nom-it was the US between 2001 and 2006. How did that go?

The Democrats seem poised to make some electoral progress in Florida–this opens the door a bit wider for them.

Barack Obama, and Sara Palin; are not meeting face to face... She could be my Daughter, but he would never be my Son... Noything to do with Skin-Colour.. I live in Africa.... I love my Toto's.... Barack OBama is the worst thing that could happen, to any African liitle folk.. Don't they have enough to put up with.......????????????????

You're pretty sad "Reality." The reason why "CNN never published this" is that you just made it up! You can put your W idol on your mantel and worship it till the cows come home. But all the world is glad to be rid of him and all his lies. Straight to the bottom of the best presidents list, where maybe we can forget he ever existed.

Well he was Orange county boss .Accomplished nothing 'Went to Washington D C to cure housing problems, No success there . Was part of a crooked election in Florida became a senator, the head of GOP committee, Flopped there, Back to senate to earn his pay . Now he wants to leave there , He should now run for head of non-accomplishment. He might find something he can be a success,due to past experiences.

Mel's Diner

Good. He's such a creep!!

Oneto and J.L. how right you are! To be honest I didn't follow Senator Martinez as much as other Senators. But I do know he was one of the very few moderate Republicans, what I used to be, left in the party. Too bad, like others i.e. McCain who sold their collective souls to the whack job born again fundies and neo cons to get elected. As for the Cuban Americans in Miami, I don't like to judge the entire group but the older generation of those were former Batista cronies. And if anyone knows Cuban history they know that Batista makes Castro look like a cub scout. The yearbook answer of them being refugees hungering for democracy is crap. They were escaping punishment in Cuba for supporting such an evil despot with Batista. Yes there were and still are Cubans who are very good solid people that just wanted a better life and got caught in the crossfire between Batista and Castro. After the election last month, I do have hope and faith in Floridians that they will help elect better people to serve the federal and state governments.

I can't name one thing he did (significant or non-significant), although we voted for him. I think GOP needs to bring in some progressive person in his place who could take lead from Bill Nelson.

Excellent news. One less Cuban infiltrated into the US Congress. Now, we have to do whatever is necessary to rid of the House those other Repug Cuban scumbags called Lincoln and Mario Diaz Balart and Ileana Lethinen. Especially Lincoln, the more obnoxious, nasty and arrogant individual that I have met in my life. Perhaps my fellow Americans never realized that Cuban politicians drafted their own Cuban-only Agenda, where our Country has nothing to do. For decades, they have controlled our foreign policy with Latin American, imposing their neo-con narrow minded viewpoint.

YAHOOO! Martinez might be the scumbag of scumbags in the Senate, with the possible exception of Orrin Hatch. Time to put a good Democrat back there, since we had two wonderful Senators in Nelsen and Graham. After that, get another Governor like "walking Lawton," and Florida is back in business with legitimate government. Addios, Martinez, don't let the door hit you on the way out....:)

Some of these posts are completely unsubstantiated...especially from those who don't even live in Florida. Mel Martinez has served Florida well and just because he is not seeking re-election does not mean he is "discovering he's on the wrong side of history." If you don't know anything about Senator Martinez, then please shut up.

Good, this frees it up for Alex Sink, the CFO. She is a good candidate, I think. I livve in Florida, and I wasn't expecting this.

As a Floridian, yeah I can see why people are satisfied with this news, however, I am more ecstatic about the 19 GOP seat up for grabs!

Reality-

Me thinks there is not 550 Metric tons of Yellow cake uranium in the world

Guess what? He did not do anything great at the Department of Housing and Urban Development either. go figure...

Like rats from a sinking ship.

Great News for Florida.
Martinez sold his soul to Jeb and George W. for a spot on the national stage. Washington was a big move up from the Orange County Commission. He went from a fair mind moderate to a win at any cost Republican neo con. Guess he will stay in Washington and earn another fortune as a lobbyist. He is to big for Orlando now.
I only hope Florida does not elect Jeb in 2010!!!

one and done? Guessing he didn't look forward to being in the minority party ... and also willing to bet that he'll be back as a highly paid lobbyist as soon as the law allows ...

The little (R) beside the name is becoming a liability... and I think this is another example. All you Republicans can thank your Party Leader, George Walker Bush.

And to "Reality": The 550 tons of yellow cake uranium is a 4+ month old story. The uranium dated back to before 1991. So please... don't try to tie this into Bush being justified for invading Iraq. Simply put, Iraq had NO WMDs. Face "reality" some time, you might enjoy it...

And to "Darko": Republicans had control of both Legislative and Executive branch from 2000 to 2006, what did they accomplish during that time...? Thought so... get back to us when you can think of something meaningful during that time.

To the blogger "Reality":
Insanity seems to be your reality!
To the subject:
Maybe Sen. Martinez knows the GOP is over. He may come back as a democrat or independent, or maybe he's just become disenchanted with politics like most Americans.

For the gentleman who said he is running for 2012. Sen. Martinez was born in Cuba and would not be qualified to run for the presidency. I'm am upset that he will no longer be a face for the Republican party. There needs to be more representation of minorities within the party and not just 70 caucasian guys etc. Republicans are a diverse group, but it is not represented by our elected leaders.

If incumbant Republicans like Martinez keeps abandoning ship; the S.S. GOP. is going to sink faster than the Titanic. One really gets the feeling the Republicans are in such disarray these days; they don`t know what to do. Now that the Karl Rove school of attack dog politics has been smashed; they have NO game plan!!

As a native Floridian, all I can say is: it's about time. For most of the past four years, I thought we only had one US Senator, Bill Nelson, a Democrat – of course.

Good riddance.

I knew Mel Martinez when he was the HUD Secretary. He is a good man and a thoughtful politician. I am not surprized he is leaving the Senate after only one term. Prior to 2004, he had always held executive positions and was never particularly attracted to legislative work. I suspect he has always been much more interested in being Governor of Florida than in doing anything in Washington. I wish him well.

My fellow Floridians – never forget; MARTINEZ VOTED FOR THE WALL STREET BAILOUT! I agree that he's paving the way for JEB, who was a decent Governor, but I WILL NEVER, NEVER, NEVER vote for another Bush! Martinez will probably also be on the Republican Presidential ticket, maybe as VP, because the party wants to try to reclaim the Hispanic voter.

See.... M&Ms melt in your mouth–not in your hand.

I could not be happier to see this miserable, narrow minded, evil bigot resign his seat in the senate. The days of these Cban tyrants is over!! And I must confess I am Cuban.
It's about time he's getting the hell out of politics! I wonder what kind of "dirt" this imbecile is involved in and now that he doesn't have "Bushie" to cover up for him, it will all be revelaed. He should marry Sarah Palin and move to Alaska. Hasta la Vista low life!!

Darko
Get a grip
Tough to accomplish anything when the Republicans blocked everything the Dems in congress tried to do. As far as bailouts it seems that it is a Republican President and Treasury Secretary that are dealing out the billions to their buddies at AIG, Citi bank etc......

Republicans had the Congress and the Presidency for 6 years and did nothing

Give me a break

Today's headline: STUDY FINDS 1 IN 5 YOUNG ADULTS HAS PERSONALITY DISORDER.

That finally explains some of these eratic, babbling bloggers!

As a Floridian, I say good riddance. He was always a Bush butt kisser.

Good! Maybe the Batistaphile Republicans are finally losing their grip on FL!

Another Bush victim, though Bush will never admit it!

I'm sure he is not interested in working with a democratic President and majority democratic Senate and House of Representatives. He wouldn't be able to steal any "pork" for his state. Hopefully, all the other republican representatives will retire.

GOOD BYE RINO !!!!

great news!!!... he is huge looser and a poor excuse for a senator. We won't miss him....

While you folks are busy gloating about a man retiring in two years, consider this. I tried to tell you rabid Bush/Cheney haters that your hoped-for indictment (in Texas) against Vice President Cheney was one man’s meritless and vindictive crusade. You should have listened. Read on:

“A judge dismissed indictments against Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Monday and told the south Texas prosecutor who brought the case to exercise caution as his term in office ends. Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra had accused Cheney and the other defendants of responsibility for prisoner abuse. The judge's order ended two weeks of sometimes-bizarre court proceedings. Guerra is leaving office at the end of the month after being soundly defeated in the March primary election.”

I live in Florida and did not vote for Mr. Martinez nor would I vote for him if he decided to seek reelection. It will be interesting to see who runs for his seat and how soon they will get started. I hope no one anounces soon as I am still trying to get the unpleasantness of the past election's stink out of my being. Maybe we can do without another Senator from Florida for a long while as neither party seems to repersent anything but the wealthy in this state.

gotta love the blind attack dogs that pollute the comments board. Admit it. Almost NONE of you even know anything about this guy.

We'll miss him down here in Miami. He did a great job representing my state. Sad to see him go, but it's his choice.

YES!! Maybe after a few years we can flush that Jeb Bush mentality out of our state government once and for all. These are the people that have total disregard for our state constitution and total distain for our Florida courts and real qualified Judges. (not to mention the distain for the citizens of our state) Political lackys are done! We may eventually get a government by the people, for the people in Florida. The damage the Republicans have done to our state is criminal.
Governor Charlie Crist is next to leave.

550 metric tons of yellowcake uranium found in Iraq and secretly removed to Canada. Vindication for GWBush and the men and women of our armed forces. History will remember GW as a man of honor who unfairly suffered 5 years of negative press and being called a war monger. Turns out Saddam Hussein's WMD capability was worse than anyone could have ever imagined. He had nuclear capability, forget about chemical weapons.

I wonder why CNN has not reported this. It is the front page/headline news everywhere else on the planet.

Darko – they could have accomplished a lot if not for all those vetos...more than any other president in history!

I see several people hating this guy for being a Republican, but not for anything he's done. I am not surprised at all.

Sen Martinez, retire now and let Gov Crist appoint a strong republican to take your place. Perhaps Gov Crist himself? Perhaps Gov Palin??

I see the CNN comment sections partisan hacks are out in force....

What a joke the comments section has become...

Another rat jumps ship.Too bad Bush didn't or we'd have had a much better America.

He will no doubt have a lobbying firm take him on (or create his own). The neo-Cons are running for the hills and fat, private sector jobs they've set themselves up for at our costs during their days in public office. Good riddance to be sure, let's hope the fine folks in Florida (apologies for the alliteration) elect someone who actually wants to do right by Florida.. regardless of the party. While I strongly agree that the unlawful acts of public officials over the past 8 years (at all levels) should be legally challenged and those held accountable, we do have very real and serious problems on many fronts that need our UNDIVIDED attention. Most of us know what is correct and act accordingly, little we can do about the 20% that is always 'Right.'

Honestly cant understand how the man got elected in the first place. Especially with the fine example of what a "great" senator like Bill Nelson in office could accomplish.

I expect we will hear more Republicans choosing to move on – which means they are going to become "Belt Way Bandits" or "Professional Lobbyists" which is defined as: "A License to Steal". I wonder who built his house?

One Party Rule. Woo Hoo.

Wait, what other countries have one party rule?

"Iceberg straight ahead",and all the while the band played"Nearer my god to thee".......only problem,does this set up for"Jabbering Jeb"to keep the Bushies in the limelight.That's a scary thought.

noo we need more latinos !

No politician walks away from their position unless a scandal was in the making and some skeletons were about to drop out of some closet.....Hmmmm

Can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Good self riddance! I guess he has seen the handwriting on the wall with the Republicans prospects in years to come going the way of the caveman.

I love it. Look at these comments. People are more interested in bashing parteis than looking at individual character. Yes, let's hand over all power to one party and have unanimous votes in the House and Senate all the time. That will be REALLY fun. No debate, just do whatever crazy scheme your party comes up with. Yeah, that has worked so well for so many countries.

There will be a lot of politicians jumping ship in the next couple of years, because the economic problem that are left behind will take a few more years to fix.

he's lucky he's not going to run. he didn't do a helluva lot while he was in the senate and if mr. bush had stopped short mr.martinez's nose would have been -well you know where.

Hooray! Another one bites the dust.

At least his sole goal in life is not being a career politician.

Republican or not, that is a good thing.

And to all your libtards infesting this blog... what exactly has your democrat led Congress accomplished since 06? Yeah, thought so...

The dems primary goal has been to – elect more democrats! To hell with the people, give them some bailout money and they'll be happy, right?

I guess there is no more money left in florida to steal.

Well I'll be! One of the Bushy's sees the writing on the wall. Say "bye" Mel. You won't be missed!

Good-– Great-- Wonderful
The only good Republican is one that gets beat or decides not to run. Maybe the people of Florida are not stupid enough to elect another Bush. Now when Alabama beats Florida in the SEC chanpionship game, Fla. will get paid back for cheating Al Gore out of the presidency.

Now Floridians in his district vote for a Progressive Democrat in 2010 .
I am sure you have some smart Progressives in his district that can run for US Senate and win.
No more Necons the GOP is sinking fast thank God for that.

I felt a chill run down my spine when immediately after the election a reporter asked a FL state leader "Where do you go from here to rebuild?" And the first words of the response were "We've already called Jeb & talked to him..." A man who of late could not have been less visible if he had been in the Witness Protection program obviously bought off Martinez as part of his plan to march to the White House. As if the country could soon forget the disastrous leadership of his totally incompetent brother. By the time the country recovers from George's ineptitude, Jeb will be so old he'll be running for residents' representative at the Retirement Home!

Me thinks he is going to join the Democratic Party. Nobody wants to be a Republican anymore.

Stop drinking the kool-aid people. If former Governor Bush ran for Senate, I'd sure support him. If you won't vote for someone simply because their last name is "Bush," then I'd rather you not vote at all. Jeb Bush did great things for the state of Florida, and he was an excellent and effective governor. If he chose to ran, so be it; I'd just hope Floridians would have more sense than to brush off the man who gave so much to the state of Florida for years of his life.

He probably knows he is gonna get whooped. Florida voted for Obama and will probably vote for the Democrats again. If we don't make 60 after the MINN/GA races end, we will certainly do it in 2010. 19 GOP seats are up for re-election. Come on Chris Matthews, run for the PA seat. Arlen Specter needs to be booted out.

Buh, bye..... see ya ..... I think other Repubs should follow his path.... Peace out and this time do it for our Country....

Stop drinking the kool-aid people. If former Governor Bush ran for Senate, I'd sure support him. If you won't vote for someone simply because their last name is "Bush," then I'd rather you not vote at all. Jeb Bush did great things for the state of Florida, and he was an excellent and effective governor. If he chose to ran, so be it; I'd just hope Floridians would have more sense than to brush off the man who gave so much to the state of Florida for years of his life.

To Jackie in Dallas,

Excellent post. Thinking about things before making a decision can never be wrong. I also agree that neither party has a monopoly on quality people (or rotten people for that matter).

THANKS BE TO ALMIGHTY GOD. FINALLY THEY ARE departing?????????????

Florida does not want him back where is he going now

lets us reward castro – he did so much good to cuba! Lift the embargo – JFK would be happy!

Next 8 years of his life...? Senators only serve for six. Maybe he will be appointed to a position in the Obama administration.

THANKS BE TO ALMIGHTY GOD. FINALLY THEY ARE LIVING!!!!

Florida does not want him back where is he going now

Is he stepping down to allow Jeb Bush to run for Senate?

He will run for Prez in 2012. He has a Hispanic last name, white skin, and enough national level experience to make him viable. He is the pander-to-Hispanic candidate that won't alienate the GOP old guard.

he was ready for retirement years ago..florida is getting their karma back big time

As a liberal Floridian, I say "Cheers!" Martinez is a very conservative right-winger and I just hope that whichever GOPer emerges to fight for his seat, they are of the more centrist variety. Senator Martinez, this is the first thing you've said or done politically that's made me happy!

more elected official should only spend 1 or 2 terms, anyone that has been in DC for more then 12 years should go.

I lived in Orange County Florida when he was the County Commissioner, then went to Washington to become the head of HUD before his Senate run. I've known him to be a good man, of good character and principles.
If you don't agree with his principles, and his "conservative" views, that's fine, but don't talk bad about a man you DON'T know.
Not all Republicans are bad people, they just see things differently.
I am an independent, and this last election voted Mostly democrat, including voting for Obama, but I use common sense, not this "hate all republicans" attitude I read about. That's what makes me sad.

The GOP is sinking fast and still have no clue but I'll give them a couple, Palin and Giuliani. Dump your garbage.

This news made my day. As a Floridian, I say good riddance.

Like most people in Florida, Martinez is one more neocon that I will be more than glad to be rid of.

Unfortunately, 2010 is a long way off and I suspect this rat-face has something up his sleeve.

..

19 more for us Democrats! I LOVE CHANGE

see ya laytah senator poopypants

One less right wing nut job in the Senate. For too long these troglydytes have blocked the will of the people, poll after poll shows we want out of Iraq, we want national health insurance, we want more aid to higher eduction, we want an end to corporate welfare, and this neo-con has been one of the top obstructionists, doing the bidding of fat cats and corporations as he did the Bush Bootlick. Good bye and good riddance.

There truly is a GOD!!!! Good riddance Martinez...We people of the state of can't stand you anyways. The only reason you were elected was because of Jeb Bush...I just pray that Jeb won't run for his Senate seat..Like one of the comments in here stated. We darn sure don't need another BUSH in any political position anymore. Haven't the Bushes hurt the USA enough....So as I stated before GOOD RIDDANCE, may the door kick you in the rump on the way out.

C'mon Florida!

Pick a great democrat and let's seal the deal with 60+ in the senate in 2010!

Another do-nothing Republican in the back pockets of Corporate America gone! Amen to that!!

Let's get Alex Sink to run for his spot, or maybe get Charlie "What Crisis?" Crist out of the governor's mansion. She would run circles around either one of these guys.

maybe sara palin should go live in florida and run.

I know little about Mr. Martinez, but I will say that the pendelum swings back and forth in many political things, and right now it is going the democrats way. That will not last as they will screw things up as good as the republicans have, and then there will be a backlash the other way. And by the way, I seem to recall the Carter and Clinton administrations making all sorts of concerned comments about Castro. This has not just been a republican issue.

I'm sure Jeb 'Shadow GOP Government' Bush will run. These GOP scum are like cockroaches, you can't ever seem to get rid of them.

And another one bites the dust. I hope floridians are smart enough not to get Jeb Bush back but then again.......

I am sure all Republicans will ALL have a hard time with reelection in 2010. They have a tough decision about what direction their party will take. Will they take the Palin path of right wing religious wackos or will they follow the vile teaching of Carl Rove tactics? Possibly they could reemerge as a party that really does dislike big government and high taxes. I have voted as a Republican for the past 35 years except for the last 8 years. I did not vote for a second term for Bush and I supported Barack Obama this year.
It will be interesting to see what the 2012 Party looks like. In any case I can't ever see myself ever returning to the Republicans. They are lost in the wilderness.

Can any of you lefty nuts even define what a neocon is? Quick, now go run to wikipedia or google and look up the term so you can come back here and act like you know what your talking about. I am so amazed at how ignorant so many Americans are.

For the most part, you lefties simply regurgitate the same bile spewing forth from our liberal media. The left has become nothing more than puppets of the press; stained red from drinking too much kool-aid.

Shame that so many Republicans are jumping ship. Hopefully this will allow some others, though, that hold to a true conservative belief to rise up and step into office. Just wait 4 years from now, as the Dems are in power, we will see a discontent with the general public and there will be another shift back the other way. The public is fickle like that...

I can't wait to see what kind of hair brained social agenda the far left dems have in mind now that they have power. Oh well, only 4 more years to go.

He is wearing a flag pin. That's all I need to see!

(sarcasm off!)

Let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya!!!

Thank goodness. He had nothing to offer. How about somebody new with some fresh ideas for Florida. now that would be nice. I am tired of the same old scare politics and partisan ideology. Find common ground and get something done. that is what we pay these people to do!

To find out about this brings hope to me here in the sunshine state. We have seen nothing productive about this Senator. I commend him for having the wit to step out and admit his failure. While I believe Democrats are not the ultimate solution to everything, they do bring a realistic approach to government that Republicans have not done so since the Reagan administration. To the Democrats: Ride the Wave!
To the Republicans: Sink or Swim[flee]

To Tulsa.

After reading some of these blogs it appears you have to much free time on your hands......I have a novel CONSERVATIVE idea for you get a job and quit waiting for the hand outs.

Also, dont forget to give your mom some money for the internet bill, its the least you can do since she lets you live there

Too bad Christopher Dood and Barney Frank are not doing the samething!

He served his purpose .. to get Bush re-elected in 2004. Buh Bye!

After his Terri Schiavo memo (among other reasons), I cannot say I'm disappointed to see Martinez go. Mel's approval ratings are very low in FL.

However, there is NO way I would vote another Bush in office. Jeb is too similar to his brother's above the law approach. Jeb Bush was ruled unconstitutional TWICE but still pursued the Schiavo intrusion and private vouchers. Sorry, but many of us have had enough.

The Republican Party is destroyed but like always there will be a party to replace it but probably not until after the 2010 election,
When I lived in the South from about 1992 thru 1997 White People
voted Republican in Federal elections and Democratic in State elections.
Look at election results and see the percentages of large vote majorities McCAin carried in most of the Southern States. It was these people that the Replublican party has always depended on to carry elections for many years.
Let's hope that the party that replaces the Republican party does not place itself in the position that they are politically liable to politicans
that favor Republican style candidates in federal elections and Democratic candidates in State Elections as in the past. is this not why racism has continued to be a problem in the South for past 40 to 50 years.

all the morns on the right in the senate and house should pack and go.the mess this country over the last eight years.

The writing is on the wall.....get out while you can......better to go out on top than lose in a landslide next election.

buh-bye

Good bye Mel. We're glad to see you go... now go.

I know there's a GOD!!! Thanks Martinez for NOTHING!!!!!

HOWL MANY DEMOCRAT Senatorial seats will be up for grabs next time around...probably several...and I'll bet I know a FEW who won't make it.

George
Rochester, NY

G. O. P. gutless offensive party.if they would hav stood up to the worst lousest president.they wouldnt be in this kind of shape.good by bush CAINT COME TOO SOON.caint wait till moving vans back up to OUR HOUSE.and move the scum out

Financially he's set for life after serving only one term. The Houses of Congress take care of each other and then they complain about the automaker CEOs. Go figure.

so Chuck wants one political party? The Dems naturally. How unhealthy a viewpoint that is. Our country needs two, strong, opposing parties otherwise we have only a dictatorship. I am sure most of you with your hateful comments – "swine, bet he had a fat wallet, calling him Castro," etc. don't really even know anything about this man other than that he is a hispanic Republican. How can that be? Hasn't the Democratic party done their job by exploiting and manipulating hispanics enough so they think their only choice is a Democrat? Any hispanic who dares to vote conservative or be a Republican must be punished lest the other lemmings get the crazy notion to think for themselves and examine the issues.

Yeah after he got caught with taking gifts and having to pay. I wonder what other dirt this guy is hiding. Yep, I am from Florida and I would have told this guy goodbye as well.

As the balance changes....

The Democratic Party is losing any chance of blaming the Republicans!

It is going to be up to them, with no excuses to turn this once Great Nation around!

Good Luck!

I predict a year from now no one will admit they are a Democrat and voted for the "Empty Suit"!

"I'm sure Jeb will run." You may be right. Gearing up for an eventual run at the White House, despite his declarations to the contrary. Curses, maledictions and imprecations...

finally a GOP Sen. with some common sense. good call

Another rat abandons the sinking ship?

Martinez has seen the writing on the wall. When he, as National Republican Committee chairman, couldn't even deliver the Latino vote in Florida, it became obvious that his time was growing short. Bye, Mel...your mediocrity and constant willingness to support the right wing agenda will always be remembered.

Looks like the talking point for the day is "neocon". Any of you actually know the difference between a conservative and a neoconservative, or do you just like the sound of the word because it reminds you of neo-Nazi, and so you think it sounds mean?

let him go and run for presidency in Cuba when Hillary will plan the fall of Raoul Castro.

What took him so long?

This is a bit of a surprise. I wonder who the Republican will put up to replace him? Would it be Charlie Crist? A Bush wouldn't be too big of a surprise either.

I'll wait for real reason to come out before I make a judgment.

Does it really matter? He served his term; now he gets a healthy retirement check and his pension for the rest of his life. Can't blame him for punching out. Now we will hire a new politician and award him/her with the same benefits -more tax dollars WASTED!

Making way for a Bush? So the Bush can run for pres in 2012 or 2016?

One of the last cuban-american cretins finally quits. Unfortunately, he along with Jesse Helms, and the two other congress representatives from Florida have made a good relationship with Cuba impossible.
Almost 50 years of embargo have not accomplished anything. Castro still in power and the only ones who suffered were the Cubans.
I hope that the first thing the Obama team for Latin America policy does is to lift the travel restrictions to the island, followed by the total repeal of the embargo.

Good ridence. He didn't do anything except promote racism, sexism, and homophobia in Florida. The state has a huge tourism industry, and Mel Martinez has transformed Florida's image to a deep south state. Effectively attracting only certain types of people, not everyone.

Yet another Senate seat up for grabs in less than 2 years. Finally we can have one compitent party in charge of the White House and start getting things done...slowly but surely. All the GOP has done is hold back progress of America.

-Former Republican Family

Martinez no longer represents the best interests of the Cuban community in South Florida nor has he ever represented the best interests of Floridians as a whole. He will not be misssed. Let's hope we can get a Progressive candidate to replace him.

Bye-bye, tool.

Martinez is a bigger RINO than President Bush. He led the charge on amnesty and was a big spender. You dems will get something much less to your liking but I doubt it will be JEB.

Good riddens to bad rubbish! Fear mongering can only go so far! I can start visiting Florida again ;o)

I notice that not one other person making comment are bold enough to sign their full name.GF

Thank Goodness.

Mesa Mick needs to take a valium or something

At least if Jeb's next, it won't be the wastrel son this time.

BRING US....

A SHRUBBERY!!!

I'd rather say goodbye to the Bushes, too, though.

All states blue? No all states red, drenched in the blood of anti-American
traitors. The cancer of liberalism will be torn fro the body politic and cast on the trash heap of history.

The revolution is coming. How about some of you scumbag liberals stand up for target practice?

Corrupt moron. Good riddance!

Good RIDDANCE!

Riiiiigght. Gotcha, Senator. You know that you don't have a snowball's chance of winning in 2010. The nation is going Democrat – center-left – and the GOP brand doesn't sell now that we can't sell our homes, can't make our mortgages, and won't be able to retire if we're older than 45. Your party made a complete mess of things. Until you purge the idiots from the GOP, you won't win many more elections.

The loss of this excellent man will be a real loss to Florida & to the United States Senate. So the democrtats will have their chance to destroy the country. I am 78 years old, have voted in every election but one in all these years & never voted for a democrat for any office. In other words, I vote on principle.
Gene Ford

Jackie from Dallas: Spoken like a true Texan. Home of the worst republican on the face of the planet.

Something fishy here. No 'real' explantion for why he's leaving. I'd bet the rent there's way more to his leaving than we're being told. And lordy, lordy we'd all better hope JEB! doesn't run for Senate. He did his utmost to try to destroy Florida while he was our governor. A more devisive man would be hard to find.

The Obama numbnuts are still carrying on about how they embrace fear, hope, and goodness...while those who disagree are just evil and miserable haters.

Is there actually an intelligent person over the age of 5 that sees life in such childish terms? If you are an internet blogger, you can say anything without consequence....the equivlient of mental vomit.

Did Sen. Martinez do a good job? The people saying him good riddance to him on this site don't have the slightest idea one way or another.

One less backward republican stagnating progress for the American people. Hopefully one more Obama democrat to propel this nation into the 21 century.

Finally a Republican with a brain. Now if we could just get the rest of the jerks to resign.

Rats are always the first to jump from a sinking ship. I foresee an end to a very old and troublesome party. Good riddance!.

Before all of you repub-bashing left-wingers get too excited, keep this in mind. The Republican party was in WORSE shape back in 1992 than it is now.

The Democrats had larger majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives than they do now, and Bill Clinton won the White House thanks largely to Ross Perot.

one door closes, another door opens.

The guy has seen the writing on the wall. This is the same guy who told senior's in Florida that Obama was going to cut their social security by 50%. Bye Bye

THIS WILL BE NO LOSS'

what great job in the housing industry another bismal pick from the Bush administration....seeee yaaa

I was going to say thank you to all those democrats who blog here as it confirms their lack of intelligence, but then I realized it's these same peolpe who elected our next president and I got scared, really scared for what is in store for our country under democrat control. Look what they did to the banking industry and now they can do it to everything!
God help us!

This is one Florida Republican who is thrilled he's going....His lack of conservative convictions has cost us much. Now the door is open to replace him with a real Republican.

Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate!!!!

dot let the door hit you on the way out

Now we can replace him with a true conservative PUBLIC SERVANT. Enough of the current crop of Democrat, Liberal and Republican self serving back-slapping phonies.

Yeah!! Best news I heard in months!!!
I am dancing in the street.
Lets send him back to Cuba to meet with Fidel

It's about time these politicians realize that it was never meant to be a lifetime job. Repubs and Dems alike should quit after 2 terms.

I am one Floridian who won't miss Mr. Martinez. Please, please, please people of Florida, let's not send Jeb! to the Senate. This country has suffered enough under the Bush dynasty.

In other words, Mel Martinez is running for president in 2012.

Thank you. We don't need any more haters. Good bye don’t let door hit you at face.

Like others, I wonder about the real reason for Mel leaving the Senate. I will be sorry to see a Hispanic voice leave even if I do not agree with his politics. Yet, I can see that he is a loyal GOP soldier making room for Jeb Bush. I met Mel and found him to be a moderate-con servative who counseled Republicans not to squander the Hispanic vote. Not many in the GOP listened. Too bad. Maybe that is in part the reason for his leaving. Mel is not a striking politician. Never was, never will but I consider him largely honest and well meaning. Being a minority in a minority party is no fun. He would have done much better as a Democrat even as many of a fellow Florida Cubans are not. I am not happy to see you go, Mel.

Good to see a politician not try to hang on and realize there's more to do in life besides running with the corruption that comes in government. Why couldn't Byrd, Helms, Thrmond do likewise?

Martinez is one of the Bush-neo-cons, he is also one of the fear-mongers of the Republican party the ones that cry "the socialists are coming!" This man is SO out of touch with reality it is scary. So ..........good riddance!

HOPE TRUMPED FEAR & HATE!

Florida is finally going to get their karma for their past election fraud.

Good bye and good riddence to this right-wing obstructionist.

He and the other neocon-leaning repugs in congress have prevented the start of normalization of relations with Cuba since the 50's.

In case you haven't notice the economic embargo Ike instituted against Cuba in the 50's hasn't really worked has it? So why do we keep slamming our heads into a brick wall thinking it will?

Oh yeah, I remember, the "fear, smear, mock and lie" national security threat that the repugs keep telling us Cuba is – they keep dredging that dead horse up and we keep beleiving them. By the way, how many American GIs has Castro killed since spring of 2002?

Good,
what lobby firm is he going to be working for?

He seems like a nice man, just brainwashed by the Republican agenda.

Hey, he now has his pension, health care and other Congressional benefits for life. What the heck does he care about the rest of the USA?

I wonder if what "chapter" is in his plans...perhaps a presidential run? He doesn't seem like the type of politician to just retire at the age of 62.

BYYYYYYE

Ooooo....19 seats up for grabs in 2010? I'll have that with a side of takeover. ^_^

I live in Florida, thank god that idiot is leaving. Flordia is behind the times thanks to people like him. Old right wing ideas that have contribute to this countrys demise.

Even this guy knows the GOP is over.

Another disillusioned republican. GW really destroyed this party.
He's leaving under false pretenses to avoid pointing fingers. I don't see much of a future for this devestated party.

As I read the comments above, everyone is happy another Republican is stepping down. A few things to ponder:

1. The Democrats have not won his seat – yet, so don't get all to excited.
2. It is good to have checks and balances – that is what the founding fathers wanted, and we need it. We need Republicans and Democrats both to discuss and work out ideas. Having a large majority of one party is not the right thing to have.

He feared the GOP would send Sarah Palin to campaign for him.

No, this is not about Mel Martinez.

I just read that the CEO of Ford Motor Company will work for $1 a year if they receive funding help, and they're putting together a great plan to succeed.

The first thing that flashed into my head was that, as an American, I would LOVE to buy an American car. Instead, I've been driving a Honda since 1980.

I am thrilled at the possibility of American car companies getting back on track. That Obama might be willing to help them, and therefore ALL OF US, makes this NON-FAN of Obama think again for the very first time since I heard his name.

Maybe things will get better for the little guy over time after all...

Well, maybe he should step down now so that the GOP will have an incumbant in office for the next election. Wow, 19 seats up for reelection out of 32? We don't wan't to know what the country will be like with a filabuster-proof senate. But if you want an idea, look at Germany in the 1930's after the Nazis enabeling act.

The Republicans are starting to dodge 2010 bullets already?

I guess that at least a few of them realize that a tide strong enough to sweep an African-American named Brack Obama to the Presidency is not likely to ebb as a result of just one election.

I don't know anything about him, so I don't really have any input on "good" or "bad". I'm mostly a Dem, but I've seen the damage complete control by one party can do (albeit, with a maniacal dictator president). I'm not so sure I want a vast majority in the Senate. 60 Senate seats, sure, because with a reasonable president at just a few decent Senators, the power can still be checked.

What I do know is, this guy is going to work 6 years in the Senate, and have a lifetime retirement of 100% of his final salary, plus raises and benefits for life. If I could work a job for 6 years and be done, I'd do it too.

Maybe there's something more to it (push Jeb in, for example), or maybe the guy is actually NOT thoroughly corrupt, and is happy to walk away with those fat paychecks for the rest of his life.

Why are you Dems so bitter? Too much "clinging"? I admire a Senator who can see that there are other things in life that matter as a person gets older. IMHO, there are too many "past their prime" senators (and representatives) like Kennedy, Byrd, Spector, et al who are staining the furniture with their "leaky" Depends.

When these jobs were invented, they were not suppose to be LIFE TIME JOBS.

After two years of Obama I'm sure the country will be ready for change that we can believe in and republicans will have no problem getting elected.

Yes, one more Bush-backing loser down! "Might get someone worse, things could get worse, the devil you know beats the devil you don't" are all just ways of expressing "fear of the unknown." Fear will not rule me nor will those that embrace it. That goes for foreign born terrorists and home grown tyrants alike.

this person may just relize that if palin is there leader there may not be a g.o.p party in 2010

So much hatred here.Sad really.
Good luck to the man

Mel probably won't be the only republican senator who decides not to run for re-election in 2010. The democrats will be setting the agenda and control all of the chairmanships for the committees. If Obama can start to turn the economy around in the next two years, 2010 could be another good year for them. If Obama fails to jump start the economy, the republicans will see gains. It's as simple as that. It all boils down to the economy. People are losing their jobs and homes. If Barack can put people back to work and give them hope for the future, the republicans will be toast again.

he was ineffective...an empty suit at best...all foam, no beer...

A Senator for four years, age 62. Not bad for the great indefinite retirment he will receive.

That's the best news I heard; this is got to be the best Christmas present ever... We are talking about the most inefficient, worthless man to ever serve the great state of Florida.
All I have to say good luck and don’t let the door hit you in the rear end.

Barbara in NC-yes, one less hypocrite in Congress. And now Hillary will be gone, thank goodness, but she becomes ANOTHER hypocrite in the White House, along with Obama, Biden, Emmanuel, Holder, etc, etc, etc. What hypocrite will be appointed to take the place of Obama, Biden and Hillary–scary thought.

Repubs all in 2010!!

Another [R] that sees the writing on the wall. But let's face it, he is smarter than most: at least he knows there's a problem, and wants out. He is a step up from those that see no problems with Bush and GOP policies, those with child-like mentalities who blame everyone else for the problems they created, those that wanted 4 more years of their special rightwing failure.

Not all Republicans are bad; not all Democrats are good. Let's do the research on him first and find out what he has accomplished, or not accomplished, before woo-hooing. While I'm happy to see the balance of power shifting, it could be he is being driven out to make way for someone even worse. And there are worse...

I'm sure Jeb will run.

Very odd and yet refreshing !

Thank you. We don't need any more career politicians.

Now if we can get rid of Pelosi, Reed, and the twin thieves Dodd and Frank we would be in business

I'm wondering why he narrowly won his race.

Jeb Bush can run (probably win) and set up his "Shadow Government" now... grrrrreeeeat.

This man was a thumper for the Supreme Court appointed Bush #43 and a disservice to the people of Florida.

He locked down that fat Senate pension and the lifetime benefits. Why keep doing it?

You guys shouldn't get so anxious about Republicans leaving. Too many democrats could mean everything will be blamed on them that goes wrong, and plus, it could create divide within the democratic party, which could let republicans overtake congress again.

This is interesting. Obama in office and the republicans are leaving their posts....Next.!!!!

happy happy joy joy .... he wouldnt win anyways.. democrats will be taking that seat.. happy happy joy joy

I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. At sixty-two, he's not old for a Senator. He could easily be thinking about three more turns. What could be the real reason behind this thin cover story?

This opens it up for Jeb Bush to run for Senate. The Clintons and Bushs never go away.

Good news.......another neocon on his way out. A fleeting memory.......what has he accomplished anyway?

Good – one less hypocrit in Congress.

good riddance Castro

The news keeps getting better as the day goes on!!

Florida can thank their lucky stars!

Good-Bye

Bet he has a fat wallet.

and another one bites the dust

don't let the door hit yo uon your way out republican swine

The Republicans are loosing INTEREST. KEEK ALL STATES BLUE.GO DEMS.GO. On January 20,2009 the Republicans will become a BAN ITEM.

WOO-HOO!!

He has realized he is on the wrong side of history, what's good for the country and that he has become out of touch like so many of his party buddies. The America he has fantasized about is not the America that American's want.

Oh darn, too bad. Good riddance.