HUD's Martinez says he won't run for Senate

AP (cnn.com) ^ | June 18, 2003 | AP

[JohnnyZ]

MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez said he has ruled out running for a U.S. Senate seat next year.

Instead, the Cuban-born former chief executive of Orange County said he plans to remain in President Bush's Cabinet through the 2004 presidential election, then assess his chances to succeed the president's brother as Florida governor in 2006.

[JohnnyZ]

Oh well, either Weldon or Webster would be a good nominee. Probably Webster, since he has Tom Feeney behind him.

[TheBigB]

Why not one of the Diaz-Balart brothers?

[Clemenza]

Anyone but Foley or McCollum.

As for Lincoln Diaz-Balart, he was my congressman for three years. He good on all issues except for spending. We could do A LOT worse.

The GOP will probably nominate someone from northern or western Florida, which would help us if the Dems decide to nominate a South Florida socialist like Peter Deustch.

[JohnnyZ]

Neither has said he's interested, and Mario just signed onto a Transgender Employment petition. Good grief!

[Clemenza]

Neither has said he's interested, and Mario just signed onto a Transgender Employment petition. Good grief

That surprised me, as Lincoln and Mario are the two more socially conservative members of the South Florida delegation (it should be expected that Illeana is pro-Gay, as her district includes South Miami Beach AND Key West). Then again, I was at the meeting where Mario was introduced to the head of the Log Cabin Republicans for South Florida (who happens to be a great guy, btw) and maybe he convinced Mario that sigining on to the petition was a good idea.

[Impy]

"the head of the Log Cabin Republicans for South Florida (who happens to be a great guy, btw) "

How is he a great guy?

.................

Martinez would have been the best candidate IMO.

Mario isn't likely run after only 1 house term.

Lincoln may be too moderate, I don't know.

I'd like to see Weldon run. He's in the "Space Coast" seat that Bill Nelson once had.

Daniel Webster seems good.

I'd also like to see Harris run. We need a pretty Senator. :p But she may be too controversial, we want to keep those Florida dems depressed so they don't turn out. Also she's only in her first term which she didn't win be a very big margin for a safe seat although remember she has won statewide. It might be better for her to run against Nelson in 06, her or Tom Feeney.

Too bad Foley is iffy on abortion and maybe gay he'd be a great candidate without those problems. He should stay in the house. I think he said he was the only one who said he'd for sure run if Graham jumped back in (not likely) so he has balls (no pun intended ;p ).

And of course McCollum is McCollum. :/

I think anyone could beat Peter Deutsch or ALCEE!! though.

[Clemenza]

How is he a great guy?

As in he is a VERY nice and decent person, despite my disagreements with him on certain issues.

[flrepublican1]

according to todays paper, Mario is in debt big time.

[votelife]

Freepers, rather than waiting to see what happens with Estrada, we need to take the lead. That means presuring Senators, special interest groups, media organizations, etc. This thread is meant to be an ongoing effort to get this man confirmed. For too many years liberals have had their way on the courts. Now, President Bush is in a position to move the courts to the right. The election of '02 showed that the country is with the President. I think it's time to let Daschle, Hillary, and Pelosi know this is Bush country. Are you with me! Let's FREEP these people.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/847037/posts