Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Martinez Quits Top RNC Post After 10 Months

Fla. senator bucked party on immigration, won't be replaced

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2007 6:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – Mel Martinez has quit as RNC general chairman after only 10 months in the post. The US  Senator from Florida, a Cuban refugee, publicly split with GOP hardliners over immigration reform. Martinez was also left to explain why the party’s presidential hopefuls were no-shows at a bilingual forum, the Washington Post reports.

“Now is this a rejection of Hispanic voters?” Martinez asked rhetorically at the time. “Of course not. And I hope it’s not seen that way.” The Politico reports Martinez may have bigger fish to fry: He's facing a tough challenge for his seat. The first-termer has a 37% approval rating, the lowest since his 2004 election.

US Republican Senator from Florida Mel M
US Republican Senator from Florida Mel M   (Getty Images)
FILES - U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL)
FILES - U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL)   (Getty Images)
Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., center, flanked by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, and Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 10,2007, after a conference to discuss immigration reform.  (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., center, flanked by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, and Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 10,2007,...   (Associated Press)
Senators Discuss Immigration Bill
Senators Discuss Immigration Bill   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Sotomayor Wins Republicans' Backing

Jeb Bush Eyes Florida Senate Seat

GOP Penalizes 5 Early Primary States

Gingrich: Let's Free Cuba Like Libya

Rubio Lashes Back at 'Embellishment' Charges


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne