HUD Chief Resigns Amid Talk of Senate Run
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Mel Martinez has resigned as Housing and Urban Development secretary, departing under pressure from the White House to run for the U.S. Senate in Florida.
In his resignation letter to President Bush, Martinez made no mention of plans to seek a Senate seat, but White House officials said he planned such an announcement late this month or possibly after the holidays.
Martinez timed his official departure for noon Friday, allowing him to attend one last Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Bush will thank Martinez for his service, aides said, giving him the kind of presidential embrace that none of his Senate rivals can match.
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