Florida Governor Charlie Crist plans to run for the Senate seat vacated early by Republican Senator Mel Martinez. A self-appointment by Crist doesn't seem likely. The popular 62-year-old Martinez, the only Hispanic in the Senate and a Cuban native, announced his early resignation on Friday, August 7, more than a year before his term is up.

Crist announced in May that he intends to run for the seat.. Although I've seen some "tweets" encouraging the Governor to appoint former Governor, Jeb Bush, to me that seems highly unlikely too, as it would pit Crist against another well-known and well-liked contender. Some have said Crist's choice might be former Secretary of State, Joe Smith, who has indicated he wouldn't mind the job for a little while.

Senator and former governor himself, Lamar Alexander commented about the Martinez resignation on CSPAN.  Watch the video and then leave a comment. What are your predictions? If you like, let us know if you live in Florida.