Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) To Resign, Will Charlie Crist Appoint Himself To Replace?

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) had already said that he would not run for re-election in 2010, clearing the way for Gov. Charlie "Closet Case" Crist to run for his seat. But today Martinez told his staffers that he is resigning and will not return to Washington after the August recess. That clears the way for Crist to appoint himself to replace Martinez in the U.S. Senate. Sources say Martinez is resigning to deal with "family problems." Ruh-roh! Appalacian Trail!