Time to target this seat for 2010

[malaise]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/12/mel_martinez_to_retire.html?hpid=topnews?hpid=topnews
<snip>
Florida Sen. Mel Martinez (R) has decided against seeking a second term, a decision he will formalize shortly in the Sunshine State, according to an informed party source.

Martinez's decision was based on a desire for more free time and a less scheduled life, said the source. The first term senator also was an almost certain Democratic target in two years time although those familiar with Martinez's political prospects insisted his strengths in South Florida, coupled with his political base along the I-4 corridor, made his path to reelection possible.

Martinez's retirement creates the second open seat of the 2010 cycle for Republicans. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) is expected to leave the chamber to run for governor. Republicans must defend a total of 19 seats in 2010 as compared to 16 for Democrats.

[FLAprogressive]

1. It's almost to our disadvantage that Martinez didn't decide to run again

He is a much weaker candidate than Closet Case Charlie Crist.