Quelle Surprise!

FL AG Bill McCollum released the following statement today responding to news that Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) won't seek a second term:

“I was surprised to learn today that Senator Mel Martinez will not be seeking re-election for his post in 2010. Senator Martinez has served his constituents and our state admirably, and with his decision not to seek another term the people of Florida are losing a dedicated public servant.

“I have been asked today whether this announcement will have any effect on my plans for the future. At this point, my plan is – at the appropriate time – to announce my intention to seek re-election as Florida's Attorney General. However, given today's development, I will seriously consider and discuss with my family a race for this U.S. Senate seat, and we will share our decision at a later date.”

McCollum, of course, already has two unsuccessful Senate bids under his belt. As the Republican nominee in 2000, he lost to now-Sen. Bill Nelson (D) 51%-46%. Four years later, McCollum was denied the GOP nomination for the other FL Senate seat when Martinez defeated him in the 2004 primary 45%-31%. Although McCollum may continue to harbor senatorial ambitions, he would undoubtedly draw stiff competition in both the primary and general if he gave up his current post to attempt a return to DC. He will have to weigh the rigors of a third Senate contest with the relative (though by no means certain) ease of a re-election bid.