by The Associated Press
Published: Fri, August 07, 2009 - 9:22 am CST
Last Updated: Fri, August 07, 2009 - 1:45 pm CST
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Republican Sen. Mel Martinez has made itofficial, telling reporters he's resigning because it's time to
return to Florida and his family.
Martinez says he had promised he wouldn't "simply warm a
seat." He says the next phase of his life will be in the private
sector.
He announced his resignation at Orlando International Airport
shortly after flying home from Washington, D.C., where he had told
his staff earlier Friday.
The first-term senator announced last December that he would not
seek re-election in 2010, but had fended off rumors that he would
give up the seat early.
Republican Gov. Charlie Crist will name his replacement. Crist
was already running to replace Martinez but says he will not
appoint himself.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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