Florida’s Crist Taps Aide to Fill Martinez Senate Seat

ABC News' Teddy Davis reports: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) is tapping his former chief of staff, George LeMieux, to fill the remainder of Sen. Mel Martinez's (R) Senate term which expires in January 2011. Crist's pick was fraught with political considerations: the moderate Republican is running for the Martinez seat in next year's election. The LeMieux pick gives Crist someone who will not run for the seat in his own right as well as someone whose views are in step with those of the governor. Anticipating the LeMieux selection, Martinez issued a paper statement saying:  “I congratulate George LeMieux for being appointed by the governor to fill the remainder of my term. George is bright, capable, and an accomplished administrator. My staff and I stand ready to ensure a smooth transition.” Earlier this month, Martinez announced that he was quitting his Senate term early simply out of a desire to get on with his life.

"It's just my desire to move on and get on with the rest of my life," said Martinez on Aug. 7. Martinez, a Cuban-American, is a former chairman of the Republican National Committee who served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during President George W. Bush's first term. In next year's Florida Senate race, Crist faces former House Speaker Marco Rubio in the GOP's August primary.

The top Democratic contender for the seat is Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla.