Likely Martinez replacement: FSU Chairman Jim Smith

Jim Smith is Gov. Charlie Crist’s likely pick to replace U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, a key Republican source has told The Palm Beach Post.

Smith, the FSU Board of Trustees chairman, is a former state attorney general and secretary of state. He sided with Crist’s GOP opponent, Tom Gallagher, in 2008, but his son-in-law, Brian Ballard, is a close ally of Crist’s.

Smith and Ballard, who were not immediately available for comment, have reportedly been lobbying for the position for weeks. Smith would not be likely to run for re-election and has an “elder statesman” profile that could earn Crist points for making a solid pick.

In 2002, Smith was appointed by then-Gov. Jeb Bush to fill the vacancy of Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, who left the position after being elected to the U.S. House. Smith served in the same office from 1987 to 1995. He was also state attorney general from 1979 to 1987.

http://www.postonpolitics.com/2009/08/likely-martinez-replacement-fsu-chairman-jim-smith/

he already declared for the seat, didn't he?

no matter how popular they are.

Wendell Anderson in Minnesota is a great example.

"friend" who wouldn't betray him and run for the seat after being appointed.