Eh, I don’t think it will be too much of a problem for Crist. Pretty much everyone expects him to appoint a stand-in, then run himself next year. No doubt his opponents will try and make hay out of it, but I doubt they’ll get much mileage out of it. Appointing buddies to serve out the rest of the term and then step down in these situations has been pretty standard and non-controversial in the past, so unless he chooses someone that really alienates GOP primary voters I doubt he’ll take much damage from it.
This doesn’t do Crist any favors, but it’s not that big of a deal. I’m sure he can find somebody relatively unobjectionable. My understanding is that if Crist wins the primary he’s pretty close to a shoe-in.
Maybe he’s gay.
Jeez, CC, I was just pointing out to ITR that you didn’t say what he thought you said. Now I wish I hadn’t.
I knew he was in trouble when he hired Palin as his political advisor 
Why? My reply wasn’t attacking you in any way, simply explaining my reasoning. I quoted you because you did bring up a valid point: he might actually want to spend more time with his family. I doubt that’s the reason, because it’s exceedingly odd, but it is possible.
The difference here is that I don’t think Martinez resigned because he’s outgrown the Senate and wants a promotion. Given the fact that he was head of the RNC for about 10 minutes and it didn’t go well, I expect he’s not very happy with his colleagues.
I seriously doubt there is any scandal here. I think he just got sick of the job, and perhaps is a bit ashamed of the direction his party has headed. There are some Republicans with honor, and it must sicken them to see the whackos in control of the party.
Isn’t hispanic approval of the Republican party down to like 3% after the Sotomayor debacle?
ISTM, Martinez might just not want to fight a hopeless battle anymore.
He wants it in the next election but he’s already said he won’t appoint himself for the remainder of Martinez’ term. The pundits expect he’ll appoint some prominent retired Pub, such as ex-Senator Bob (not Mel) Martinez.
Nah, he’ll appoint Jim Smith. Bob is a little too wild-card. He might decide he likes the job (though he’d be a shitty Senator). Jim has been bandied about as a gubernatorial candidate so it’s less likely he’d go for the long term play in the Senate at this point. A term or two in the Mansion and then he can take Nelson’s seat.
Hmm. I noticed that Martinez said his resignation is effective as soon as a replacement is selected and accepts the position.
Maybe Crist will just refuse to make a selection, and force him to fill out his term. :D:D
If Crist had balls and a sense of humor he’d appoint Marco Rubio.
Oh, you guys. It’s a favor to Crist- while everyone is discussing Martinez’ resignation, Crist can quietly come out of the closet.
Oh, and I’ve been offered the job. I’ll let you know what I decide.
I think it is this. If you are stepping down in a year and a half anyways, do you want to spend that time consistently losing and getting outvoted?
Well I thought this was just hilarious.