Republican Sen. Mel Martinez shocked everyone with the announcement of his resignation on Friday (August 7). The 62 year-old politician, a native Cuban and former chairman of the Republican National Committee, claimed that he wouldn’t resign before his term ends in 2011 but had already been planning his retirement and will not return to Congress after the August recess.

In a statement, Martinez announced the resignation and thanked his supporters during the twelve years he was at public service, promising to continue to be an active member of the Republican Party.

“My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country and at this stage in my life, and after nearly twelve years of public service in Florida and Washington, it’s time I return to Florida and my family,” Martinez said. “I look forward to continuing to be an active and constructive voice on issues vital to Florida and our nation, and being an active member of Florida’s Republican Party.”

Martinez’s resignation opens an interesting race of his replacement. The 62 year-old has been rumored to be interested in the presidential opening at Florida State University. We will see what happens now… it just doesn’t seem right to resign now!