Martinez was average at best, but he probably would have won re-election. I’m not that familar with potential candidates other than Jeb Bush, but please not a retread like Bill McCollum.

I disagree that this is a tough seat to hold. Martinez being “average at best” is the reason Betty Castor nearly beat him. Now, we have a chance to get a strong candidate, and to me it has to be Jeb Bush or someone from his inner circle. Perhaps former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings? If you’re looking for someone from Congress, I like Connie Mack, Illeana Ros-Lehtinen or maybe Mario Diaz-Balart.

Honestly though, if it’s anyone other than Joe Scarborough or Katherine Harris, I think we’re fine.

Join the RedState Strike Force

n/t

….on the way out. Mediocre recruiting is part of what led us to the wilderness. And MM is a perfect example.

on who we’ve recruited in the past. That and I just can’t figure out the voting sense of Floridians. So even with the best candidates, I’ll never count Florida as an easy win.

Probably knows he will probably lose.

Possible Republican pick up.

Jeb Bush is popular there and could win. Otherwise the Bush name is poison on a national level.

C ya! I was going to work for one of his GOP opponents anyway. This will save me the time and effort.

It’s good to see we’re getting rid of some of that dead wood.

Okay, maybe I’m being a little overly dramatic, but it struck me that his appointment as general chairman was the first indicator (at least to little old me) that foul things were afoot for the Conservative cause. I believe he was appointed to the position over calls for Michael Steele (I’m probably wrong on that).

The hullaballoo about Martinez was how he personified President Bush’s “new tone”, how he was a go along to get along guy and how he’d help steer a bipartisan course.

Truth be told, he was no Haley Barbour.

As a resident of NE Florida, I’m excited about the prospect of new blood, but as has been stated before, we are a quirky state, not easily predictable as to our choices. I am not for McCollum. His last stab at the Senate was woefully inept and I would hate to see him try again. I’d vote for Jeb, but I’m open to anyone, really.

My dark horse?

Personally, I like John Delaney, former mayor of Jacksonville, and current President of the University of North Florida, but that’s just me.

I suggest Mike Haridopolos, Majority Whip of the State Senate. He is young, very bright, very energetic, and very personable. As far as I’ve noticed, he is popular and a good campaigner. He is a history lecturer at UF and somewhat reminiscent of a young Newt without the baggage.

First off I find this news surprising considering I thought Martinez was a safe seat.

With that said, yes it will be difficult to gauge how “Floridians” vote since its hard to find native Floridaians. Much of this seat will be due to New Yorkers, “snow birds” (hate that term) and other relocated Northerners who don’t know the cultural values of the state since they didn’t grow up there.

Democrats-Ron Klien is Jewish
Kendrick Meek-black
Don Gelber very likely Jewish

Republicans
Bush-no more Bushes. period.
Atwater-white guy, looks the most “electable”
McCollum-white guy
Rubio-the wildcard. A Cuban-American in a state where the S. 1/3 is heavily Cuban.

I see Rubio as the favorite because of this and like Martinez, is hispanic in a very diverse state which is why I bring up the racial background as it will play a role in this election and demonstrates the diversity of the state and possibly voter intent/ a gauge on how Republicans might keep this seat.