Open Senate Seat

Senator Mel Martinez announced earlier this week that he will not run for reelection in 2010. The reason given is that he wants to spend more time with his family, but the truth is that Martinez was a mediocre Senator, weak on important issues, and strong on unimportant issues. Big names are already starting to surface, probably the biggest is former Florida governor Jeb Bush. He remains very popular in Florida and would pretty much clear the Republican field, and I suspect some of the Democratic field in a very short time.

The State of the GOP in Florida

Florida is a pretty solid Republican state, despite the results of the last Presidential election. Governor Charlie Crist remains popular, if somewhat elusive. State Chairman Jim Greer has done a good job of keeping Republicans throughout the state focused on the main job. County Chairman Jim Coffield continues to be one of the best in the state. I think that the last Presidential election was the exception rather than the rule here in Florida. John McCain simply did not inspire the grassroots. Hopefully, we won't make the same mistake in 2012. Realistically though, unless Obama really makes some major mistakes, he will be untouchable in 2012. If we have rising young stars in the GOP, I would rather not make them sacrificial lambs in 2012. We can retake the Presidency in 2016 with the right candidate. We can retake the Senate by 2012, and the House by the same year. We are in good shape with GOP governors, and can add some important ones in 2010, especially in Tennessee.

Living in Paradise

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, enduring the seemingly endless winters, my dream always was to live in the sunshine, never having to shovel snow again, never having to worry about traveling snow covered highways. Finally, I am living that dream. Five miles to the Atlantic Ocean, bright sunshine on most days. Who can ask for anything more?