(CNN) - Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida, announced Tuesday will not seek reelection in 2010.
In a Florida press conference, Martinez said his decision was not based on the likelihood he would face a tough reelection fight.
"I've faced much tougher obstacles in my life," he 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."
The first term senator and onetime National Republican Committee chairman narrowly won his first Senate race in 2004. Martinez also served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during President Bush's term.
One congressional source cited Martinez's age, 62, and said "he is ready for the next chapter in his life."
It currently appears 19 GOP seats will be up for grabs in 2010.
From CNN Politics
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Oh darn, too bad. Good riddance.
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.
WOO-HOO!!
The Republicans are loosing INTEREST. KEEK ALL STATES BLUE.GO DEMS.GO. On January 20,2009 the Republicans will become a BAN ITEM.
and another one bites the dust
don't let the door hit yo uon your way out republican swine
Bet he has a fat wallet.
Good-Bye
Florida can thank their lucky stars!
The news keeps getting better as the day goes on!!
good riddance Castro
Good – one less hypocrit in Congress.
Good news.......another neocon on his way out. A fleeting memory.......what has he accomplished anyway?
This opens it up for Jeb Bush to run for Senate. The Clintons and Bushs never go away.
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?
happy happy joy joy .... he wouldnt win anyways.. democrats will be taking that seat.. happy happy joy joy
This is interesting. Obama in office and the republicans are leaving their posts....Next.!!!!
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.
He locked down that fat Senate pension and the lifetime benefits. Why keep doing it?
This man was a thumper for the Supreme Court appointed Bush #43 and a disservice to the people of Florida.
Jeb Bush can run (probably win) and set up his "Shadow Government" now... grrrrreeeeat.
I'm wondering why he narrowly won his race.
Now if we can get rid of Pelosi, Reed, and the twin thieves Dodd and Frank we would be in business
Thank you. We don't need any more career politicians.
Very odd and yet refreshing !
I'm sure Jeb will run.