Mel Martinez Resigning

Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), a junior senator, will resign his Senate seat before September. Martinez told his staff this morning in a meeting and released this written statement to the press:

My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country and at this stage in my life, and after nearly 12 years of public service in Florida and Washington, it’s time I return to Florida and my family,” Martinez said in a written statement.

So today I’m announcing my decision to step down from public office, effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term.

Martinez will make a formal announcement at a news conference planned for Friday at 3 p.m. in Orlando.

GOP Sen. Mel Martinez Is Resigning [FoxNews]