A rare political move

Miami Herald: Even before Sen. Mel Martinez announced that he would forgo reelection in 2010 after only one term, aspirants for his seat began popping up all over the state. You don’t have to be a political junkie to get excited about the sudden prospect of a race for an open Senate seat, but first take a moment to appreciate this surprise move.

Most politicians cling to power like a drowning man clings to a life preserver. Witness 85-year-old Ted Stevens of Alaska, who stubbornly tried to keep his Senate seat this year despite a recent felony conviction, having already spent four decades in Congress. For many, the power of office becomes an end in itself.

Sen. Martinez, a Republican, has chosen another way. We take him at his word that he wants to spend more time with family rather than stay in office. That line is usually heard from someone snagged in a scandal, but Martinez has been scandal-free.

Tough race

Sure, it might have been a tough race. But don’t underestimate the power of incumbency or the advantage of the Republican label in a state with a Republican Legislature and a GOP-heavy congressional delegation.

Martinez’s inspiring life story, beginning with his arrival here as a 15-year-old refugee from Cuba, contributed to his political success. He became the first Cuban American in the Senate and the GOP’s most prominent Hispanic. He also has served as party chairman.

His first steps in the Senate included the lamentable support for government intrusion in the Terri Schiavo case. Later, however, he developed a more moderate profile, supporting good causes unpopular with some in his party, such as immigration reform