Posted on 08/16/2007 8:14:28 AM PDT by 3AngelaD
ST. PETERSBURG - Sen. Mel Martinez, the head of the Republican National Committee, took a swipe Tuesday at the leading Republican presidential candidates for not offering solid solutions to America's immigration crisis.
In his remarks, Martinez did not directly refer to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney or former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, but he later suggested both candidates, who were critics of the controversial Senate immigration proposal, had mischaracterized the plan. He also urged audience members to pin down the Republican candidates on immigration when they come to St. Petersburg for the YouTube/CNN Republican presidential debate Nov. 28...
Martinez's remarks underscored both the difficulty Republicans are having with the volatile issue of immigration and the delicate position Martinez holds as both a senator and general chairman of the Republican National Committee amid a heated presidential primary.
"It can be a little awkward," acknowledged Martinez, a Cuban-immigrant who is neutral in the presidential race but has called Republican presidential candidate John McCain "courageous" for being a champion of the immigration plan that was so unpopular with much of the Republican base....
"I don't want to in any way intervene in the primary process," Martinez said. "But at the same time, I have an obligation as a senator to speak about the issues..."
(Excerpt) Read more at sptimes.com ...
Shut up, Mel.
WTF? Im looking for a candidate who is against any form of amnesty, and who will enforce existing rules!
I thought we were going to recall mel.
I didn’t know debate was going to be here, in St. Pete. Does anyone have details and is it open to “we the people?” I’d like to go.
Right On, Right Cal Gal - Martinez, STFU ....
BUMP to expose GOP leadership stupidity.
Martinez needs to go we won’t win with this moron.
Hey Mel, what are you polling at in Florida? About 33%
You are a one termer. It’s not totally your fault, your patron promoted you way over your head. He does that with people he likes.
“Sen. Mel Martinez, the head of the Republican National Committee”
A major problem for the Pubbies.....with a JERK like that in charge of the RNC. Bush appointed this guy without any thought of what it would do to the Pubbies.
Sounds to me like the GOP wants to lose.
Then don't, fool! Simply keep your mouth shut.
Okay then, Mr. Martinez, it's time to decide which position you want and to give up the other one.
This is the You Tube debate here in St Pete. I haven’t heard about attendance but it will probably be college kids picked by the MSM so they will boo on cue.
What does that say about Martinez' priorities?
It would seem he's more interested in rewarding illegal behavior than in the success of the party or the nation.
Mel Martinez was “handpicked” by Presidente Bush to be the General Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Mike Duncan is the RNC Chairman.
I wonder if Senior M is going to be in trouble next time he runs?
Since the Dummies have Dean leading the DNC, I guess the RNC thought to level the playing field.
Martinez should resign. But he should shut up first.
boomopi says, “Martinez needs to go we wont win with this moron.”
I agree....goodby Martinez, and not a minute too soon.
Folks like Mel are why I no longer give to the party and have soured on them considerably.
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