Before I pick up where I left off last time (contenders for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez), I need to make another prediction which will set the rest of the statewide races in motion for 2010. Notwithstanding denials and discussions to the contrary, Mel Martinez will resign from the U. S. Senate before Labor Day. The Republican Party will talk him into it for the good of the order, allowing the Governor to fill the vacancy, supposedly giving the Republican candidate a leg up.

Who will the replacement be? If Crist decides to stay on as Governor, most likely he would appoint someone like the son of his friend and mentor Connie Mack (that would be Congressman Connie Mack IV for you cave dwellers) to the opening. Kind of a Huey Long maneuver. But after some quiet opinion polling by the party, I believe (again, notwithstanding denials and discussions to the contrary) Crist will step down and newly sworn in Governor Jeff Kottkamp will appoint Crist to the vacancy. Crist confidants will tell there would be no