Breaking: Mel Martinez to resign as Florida Senator, Governor Crist to appoint replacement

Governor Crist has an important decision to make

In what amounts to a political shock in Florida, Senator Mel Martinez has decided to resign his Senate seat by the end of August. Martinez had already announced that he would not seek reelection in 2010, but leaving his seat early is a shock nevertheless. Apparently during a staff meeting this morning, the Florida senator told those who worked for him that they would not be coming back following the August recess and that he would resign early. According to reports, Martinez has his eye on becoming the next president of Florida State University, although he has not commented publicly on that.

Senator Martinez’s decision is important for two reasons. The first is that due to the Republicans only having 40 seats, any premature resignation affects the whole party, especially with the upcoming healthcare debate. If he resigns, as he says he will, during the recess and his successor is appointed, then the crisis will be averted and Republicans will remain with 40 members. The second reason Martinez’s decision is important is because Governor Charlie Crist is the one who makes the choice of who fills the Senate seat, and he just happens to be running for it. Governor Crist will do one of two things. He will either appoint himself to the seat or he will appoint someone who will serve out the remainder of the term and not seek reelection to it.

I believe that Crist will opt for door number 2. It does not look good for the sitting governor to appoint himself to the open Senate seat because that means he did not finish his term out. By appointing another person to serve out until 2011, Governor Crist will get political capital and keep the path clear to winning the race. Among those that are more than likely on Governor Crist’s list of those who will serve out the remaining year and a half are former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, former Congressman Clay Shaw, Agricultural Commissioner Charles Bronson, or former Governor Bob Martinez. The balancing act that Crist has to do is appoint someone that will be praised, earn him points with Republicans, allow for him to still win, and not put someone on the list that would outshine him. All of the above names are perfect to cap off their career as a public servant.

Governor Crist is widely expected to win the race for Florida’s Senate seat next year against Marco Rubio in the GOP primary and against Democratic congressman Kendrick Meek. This is a moment for the governor to shine and solidify his lead, as well as provide our state with solid Republican representation during the important debates that are bound to happen in Washington over the next year or so.