Mel Martinez

Melquiades Rafael "Mel" Martinez (born October 23, 1946) is a Republican Cuban-born American politician and U.S. Senator from Florida. Martinez served as the 12th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush.

Related Topics:
October 23 - 1946 - Republican - Cuba - American politician - Florida - Secretary of Housing and Urban Development - President - George W. Bush

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Martinez resigned his cabinet post on December 12, 2003 to run for an open U.S. Senate seat in Florida being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Bob Graham. Martinez secured the Republican nomination and narrowly defeated the Democratic nominee, Betty Castor. His election made him the first Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Senate. Furthermore, he and Ken Salazar are the first Hispanic U.S. Senators since 1977.

Related Topics:
Cabinet - December 12 - 2003 - U.S. Senate - Democratic - Bob Graham - Betty Castor - Ken Salazar - 1977

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