**Republican Senator Mel Martinez of Florida is to resign, according to US media reports.**Mr Martinez had already announced his intention not to stand for re-election when his term ends in 2010, citing a desire to spend more time with family.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist is one of the candidates vying to be the Republican senate candidate in 2010.
As governor, Mr Crist will now pick an interim senator to serve for the remainder of Mr Martinez’s term.
Immigration reform
Born in Cuba, Mr Martinez, 62, was first elected to the senate in 2004, having served in President George W Bush’s cabinet as secretary of housing and urban development.
Mr Martinez was a staunch supporter of President Bush’s attempts to reform the US immigration system, which made him unpopular with some conservative Republicans.
He has denied suggestions that his decision not to seek a second term was inspired by his tough electoral prospects.
“My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country, and at this stage in my life, and after nearly 12 years of public service in Florida and Washington, it’s time I returned to Florida and my family,” Mr Martinez wrote in a resignation letter obtained by the Associated Press.
His resignation will be “effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term,” AP quotes the letter as saying.