Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, who has struggled to win public support because of his close ties to President Bush, announced on Tuesday that he will not seek a second term in 2010, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
The Republican pushed an immigration overhaul bill that was unpopular with many in his party, and his seat was widely seen as vulnerable in two years. However, Martinez rejected suggestions he faced difficult reelection prospects in a state won last month by Barack Obama.
Martinez, 62, was elected in 2004 after serving as the U.S. secretary for Housing and Urban Development during Bush's first term.
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