With news that Senator Martinez is resigning before his term expires next year, the question is how he will be replaced until the 2010 elections.
Governor Crist, who is a candidate for the seat himself, has plenary power to appoint a temporary Senator to serve until the next term begins. The relevant Florida statute reads: “100.161 Filling vacancy of United States Senators.–Should a vacancy happen in the representation of this state in the Senate of the United States, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy at the next general election; and the Governor may make a temporary appointment until the vacancy is filled by election.”
Politico reports: “National and Florida Republican sources say it’s near-certain that Crist will not appoint himself, and instead is expected to appoint a placeholder to fill the seat through the 2010 election.”