Nelson: Martinez was a ‘good Senate colleague’

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) had some kind parting words for his Republican Senate counterpart Mel Martinez (Fla.) who announced his resignation on Friday. He also expressed hope for a similar working relationship with Martinez’s appointed replacement, who will also be a Republican.

Nelson tweeted today:

Mel Martinez is stepping down. He has been a good Senate colleague of mine, as well as a personal friend.

I look forward to having the same bipartisan working relationship with his successor.

Gov. Charlie Crist (R-Fla.) will appoint Martinez’s successor, who will serve until the 2010 election. Interestingly, Crist is the front runner in the GOP primary for the seat, running against former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)