Mel Martinez's double life

Sen. Mel Martinez leads a double life.

On the national stage, he's a beloved front-man for the GOP, the party's most prominent Hispanic leader and the man President Bush tapped to lead the Republican National Committee after the disastrous 2006 elections. He was the only Floridian who addressed the party's convention, delivering a prime-time speech Thursday arguing that Sen. John McCain is the best candidate to protect America.

Back home in Florida, though, the state's junior senator has a giant target on his back. Florida Democrats are lining up to run against him in 2010. Many Republicans complain he spends too little time courting local Republicans. Hillsborough state committee member Carol Carter said she skipped Martinez's reception in St. Paul on Wednesday because Martinez spends so little time in the Tampa Bay area: "If he can't find me, I can't find him." More here.

Despite the speculation Martinez won't run again, he said there's "no question" he'll seek another term.

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Comments

Maybe Charlie should run against Mel. Shirttail Charlie sure isn't going to get another term as Governor.

Hardly! Governor Crist is extremely popular and is heavily favored to win re-election.

[Quit wasting our tax dollars]

1:36, or should I say Governor's Office staffer? Quit fooling around on blogs and wasting my tax dollars. Now that your sugar-momma Cristi will be in town for the forseeable future, why don't you people do some real work?

[The "Forgotten" People!]

WHAT?... We have a governor!

... why the hell aren't we told about this?

Enjoy the governess residing in Tallahassee again until January, when the inevitable a--kissing will begin again. Undoubtedly, Crist will want a cabinet spot, from either Obama or McCain.

The Democrats are coming! The Democrats are coming!

[Oprah doesn't want the Fairness Doctrine re-imposed or she will lobby for an exception]

OPRAH'S STATEMENT: "The item in today's Drudge Report is categorically untrue. There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show. At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates. I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over."

I bet Marco could beat Mel in a GOP primary.

[Proud Democrat]

I can't stand Bush's boy Martinez. I live in South Florida and although I'd hate to lose him is anyone hearing anything about Ron Klein running against Martinez? I'd love to watch that race.

The only Rubio beats is himself. Get a grip, punk is done...

[Love that Oprah]

Hey, don't be messing around with my Oprah.

She hasn't flogged Obama on her show. She did her pitch for him seperately, outside her show.

I know because I tape EVERY one of her shows.

Rubio isn't "done." He runs for the DLP seat and wins. I'm no huge Rubio fan, but I think he would beat Mel.

[Donald Lance]

Does anybody think Mel "I voted for Amnesty" Martinez actually stands any chance at reelection?

Mel = 3 letters in first name
Jeb = 3 letters in first name

concidence?

[Donald Lance]

Yes! How many letters are in your name?

[George]

If Mel wants to run again, no republican will challenge him nor should they. He may develop more of an independant streak once Bush leaves office. I think he is a good guy.

[The Rock]

I predict that, after losing to Buddy Johnson for Supervisor of Elections, Phyllis Busansky will announce her candidacy, running against Martinez for Senator.

4:37 please....he won't win a State Senate seat...let alone a US Senate seat. All talk...no action.