Possible appointees to open Fla. Senate seat include former governor

The names have surfaced of three possible appointees vying for the open Senate seat Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) vacated on Friday; one of them belonging to a former Gov. Bob Martinez (R-Fla.)

Bob Martinez, who is not related to the former senator, also served as drug czar under President George H.W. Bush. Mel Martinez announced he would retire after his term expired in January 2011, but instead resigned early.

Not among the names the AP reported was Gov. Charlie Crist (R-Fla.). Crist, who is running for the Senate seat in 2010, must appoint a successor to fill Martinez’s seat until the end of the 111th Congress.

Some speculated that Crist may appoint himself, but GOP strategists have indicated that he will appoint a caretaker to hold the seat instead.

Businessman Allan Bense and former Florida Secretary of State Jim Smith are the other two potential appointees on the list.