Posted by Sir Four at 11:56am Aug 7 '09Martinez, (R-FL) had announced he wasn't seeking reelection in 2010, and FL governor Charlie Crist announced in May that he would run for the seat. Now Martinez plans to retire early, putting Crist in the position of appointing a replacement--for the seat Crist wants. Typically a governor appoints someone who will begin to build clout with voters to become strong enough to keep the seat within the party in the next election. Obviously Crist won't want to appoint a strong candidate, though. But if he appoints some seat-warmer who promises not to run in 2010, won't that look like Crist is trying to set himself up for the seat?
I'm also a bit confused, because CNN said Crist may appoint a replacement for Martinez, which suggests he may not appoint anyone. If he appoints no one, FL is down to one senator and the Senate is with one less Republican (puts them at 39).
I'm also a bit confused, because CNN said Crist may appoint a replacement for Martinez, which suggests he may not appoint anyone. If he appoints no one, FL is down to one senator and the Senate is with one less Republican (puts them at 39).