Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) resigned from Senate today

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) resigned from the Senate today.

Martinez first announced it this morning at a staff meeting, where he said he will not return to the Senate after the August recess.

Last December, Martinez announced he would not be seeking re-election to the Senate, but that he would serve out his full term, which expires in 2011.

This is the second time Martinez has resigned from a high-profile Republican office. He resigned as chairman of the Republican National Committee in October 2007 to focus on his legislative responsibilities.

Martinez’s announcement today creates a unique position for Gov. Charlie Crist (R-Fla.), who is currently the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Crist could be tasked with appointing a candidate to fill the seat until Martinez’s term expires in 2001.