Governor Charlie Crist:

"I have a great deal of respect for my good friend Mel Martinez. I know this decision was a difficult one for him, but I think he is doing what he believes is right for him and his family.

"We will immediately begin the process of selecting an appropriate replacement to serve the remainder of Senator Martinez's term and I look forward to making an announcement in the coming weeks."

Senate Canidate Marco Rubio:

"Mel Martinez's life is a testament to the boundless promise that exists in America, where a young Cuban exile can come to the United States without his parents and rise to become a Cabinet secretary and U.S. senator. As he looks ahead towards the next phase of his life, I wish him and his family all the best.

"As Governor Crist considers who he will appoint as Florida's next U.S. senator, I urge him to take great care in his selection. Florida deserves an interim senator who will go to Washington and serve as a true check on President Obama's push for more wasteful government spending, government-run health care and cap-and-trade. The last thing Florida needs is a U.S. senator that will stand with President Obama instead of challenging the wrong direction he is leading our country and offering constructive conservative solutions moving forward."

Here is a statement from Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek:

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Miami) released the following statement regarding the early resignation of Senator Mel Martinez from the U.S. Senate:

Senator Mel Martinez made history when he was elected to the U.S. Senate and I wish him only the best in his future endeavors. It is fitting that one of Senator Martinezs final votes was to confirm a history-making Supreme Court nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor and I am so pleased that he cast this vote one that I wholeheartedly support.

The following is Sen. Nelson's remarks on Sen. Martinez's resignation:

"Mel has been a good Senate colleague of mine, as well as a personal friend. He also has been a dedicated public servant for Florida. I look forward to our continued friendship - and to having the same bipartisan working relationship with his successor."