Statement From Marco Rubio on Martinez's Departure

Mel Martinez's life is a testament to the boundless promise that exists in America, where a young Cuban exile can come to the United States without his parents and rise to become a Cabinet secretary and U.S. senator.  As he looks ahead towards the next phase of his life, I wish him and his family all the best.

"As Governor Crist considers who he will appoint as Florida's next U.S. senator, I urge him to take great care in his selection.  Florida deserves an interim senator who will go to Washington and serve as a true check on President Obama's push for more wasteful government spending, government-run health care and cap-and-trade.  The last thing Florida needs is a U.S. senator that will stand with President Obama instead of challenging the wrong direction he is leading our country and offering constructive conservative solutions moving forward.