Florida: Martinez Says Crist Likely to Run in 2010

[ccharles000]

Retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R) said this week that there’s a strong likelihood Gov. Charlie Crist (R) will run for his open Senate seat in 2010 and added that if that does happen, he is not interested in trading jobs with Crist.

Martinez said Crist would be “a fine Senator.” When asked whether he has any desire to seek the top job in Tallahassee, Martinez said he has the private sector in his sights after he leaves the Senate. He will have served only one Senate term, but he came to Capitol Hill after serving in the administration of President George W. Bush.

“I think there’s going to be a real scramble for the governorship, but I don’t think I’m on the short list,” Martinez said.

A Republican source familiar with Martinez’s plans backed up that assertion, offering that the Senator has no interest in running for governor and is looking to land in the private sector so he can make more money than his Congressional salary provides.

http://www.rollcall.com/issues/54_119/atr/34210-1.html

[MadBadger]

1. Then Count Florida Out.

[ccharles000]

3. if Crist does become a senator maybe

just maybe he will not be the worst repug.We can hope.

[MadBadger]

4. I agree with that. He would prob be like Snowe, but if he runs, a Dem has no shot.

[ClarkUSA]

5. Unless Republicans doing a head fake to prevent top-tier Dems from organizing early

I'll believe when Crist throws his hat inot the ring officially. If he does, then I agree with you.

[msongs]

2. as in cash in on his lobbying connections or what? nt

[camera obscura]

6. I hope so. I think the Dems have a better chance of taking the Gov's mansion than the Senate.

Alex Sink is running for Gov, imo she's the best candidate.

[Hugabear]

7. Charlie Crist is as slimy as they come, the very definition of a career politician

I firmly believe that this sleazeball will say or do anything to appeal to the widest audience possible in order to continue his advance up the political ladder. This is the same guy who earned the nickname "Chain Gang Charlie" when he was our Attorney General. Wouldn't surprise me in the least to see him run for the Senate in 2010, followed by a presidential run in either 2012 or 2016. If there was a Supreme Commander of the Galaxy, he'd run for that position eventually.