Mel Martinez (R-FL) cited family reasons for exiting his post before his term is up. It will give Florida Gov. Charlie Crist the opportunity to appoint a replacement, which is interesting because Crist is actively running for the seat. He said he will not appoint himself, and is expected to put an ambition-free Republican caretaker in there to finish out the term.
RBR/TVBR observation: This has no effect on the balance of power in the Senate, and Martinez was not particularly active in broadcast issues. For readers of this space, Martinez’s early exit is basically a sum-zero proposition.
