Marc Ambinder has an on the early rumors following Mel Martinez's announcement today that he'd be retiring from the Senate, and some of the names aren't surprising in the least.
Two sources close to Jeb Bush, including one who has spoken to the former Florida governor within the past few hours, say he is seriously considering a run for Senate now that incumbent Republican Mel Martinez has retired....No word on Democrats yet. Here's hoping for a really bloody primary process on the Republican side.
If he decides to run, Republicans expect the field to clear for him. Maybe. Gov. Charlie Crist, with whom Bush has not had the warmest of relations, is said to be interested in moving to the Senate. Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is weighing a bid, as is former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, Orange County executive Richard Crotty, and U.S. Rep. Connie Mack.
Labels: Bill McCollum, Charlie Crist, Florida Senate, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Mel Martinez