RNC Chair to Step Down

ABC News’ Karen Travers Reports: Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., announced Friday that he is stepping down as general chairman of the Republican National Committee so he can focus on his constituents in Florida.

"It was my goal as General Chairman to lead the Party as it established the structure and raised the resources necessary to support our Presidential candidate and ensure Republican victories next November," Martinez said in a statement. "I believe we have accomplished those goals.  That’s why it is the appropriate time for me to step down as General Chairman and continue to focus my energy on serving my constituents in Florida."

Martinez is the only Hispanic Republican in the Senate and he has close ties to President Bush.

The President commended Martinez in a statement.

"When Mel accepted the position as General Chairman of the Republican National Committee, his goal was to ensure our party had the structure and resources in place for all Republican candidates in the 2008 elections to be successful," Bush said. "He has more than fulfilled that mission."

Martinez became General Chairman of the RNC after last year’s midterm elections and in this role, he served as the party spokesman and figurehead, while Chairman Mike Duncan ran the day-to-day operations.

Speculation about Martinez’s departure started late last month but it was expected that he would stay in the role until the party selected its presidential nominee next year.