Florida senator Mel Martinez announced at a press conference in Orlando today that he will not run for reelection in 2010. Though some preliminary polls showed that Martinez might have had a difficult reelection, the GOP will probably have a more difficult time holding on to an open seat. Politico's Josh Kraushaar rounds up some potential candidates for the 2010 race:
Democrats had already been considering taking on Martinez before his retirement announcement. Popular state CFO Alex Sink decided not to challenge Martinez over the Thanksgiving holiday, but may now reconsider given Martinez's decision. Other potential Democratic candidates include: Reps. Ron Klein, Allen Boyd and state senator-elect Dan Gelber.
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.), Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), former state House Speaker Marco Rubio and incoming state Senate President Jeff Atwater are all potential Republican candidates.
