Diaz-Balart out; Crist to meet with to meet with possible Martinez replacement Martinez
by Dara Kam | August 17th, 2009
From left to right: Diaz-Balart, Martinez, Smith
Martinez is on Crist’s short list to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, who is stepping down 15 months before his term ends in November.
Martinez (Bobby) is a former U.S. prosecutor who sits on the state Board of Education and was a chief transition aide to both Crist and Jeb Bush when they took over as governor.
Last week, Crist asked Martinez (Bobby), U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and former Attorney General and Secretary of State Jim Smith, now a top-tier Tallahassee lobbyist, to apply as Martinez’ fill-in for the next 15 months.
Crist is leaving office next year after just one term to run for the post himself.
Bobby Martinez is considered by some GOP operatives to be the likeliest candidate to replace Mel Martinez, and not because they share the same surname.
Sources close to Diaz-Balart say that he today withdrew his name from consideration for the post.
And Smith’s lobbying career could make him vulnerable to criticism, although he’s considering retiring. Quitting his lobbying job may not quell objections, however. His partner Brian Ballard, one of Crist’s closest advisers, is also his son-in-law.
Tags: 2010 campaigns, Bobby Martinez, Charlie Crist, Jeb Bush, Mel Martinez, U.S. Senate
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