Another Black Eye for the GOP?

RNC chairman abruptly resigns

The Miami Herald reported a few weeks ago that Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), elected chairman of the Republican National Committee in January, planned to step down once a GOP presidential nominee emerges. Martinez expected to make way for his successor some time in February, so the ‘08 nominee can have his team in place for the election season.

Apparently, he couldn’t wait that long. Martinez abruptly resigned today, less than a year after taking the job at the president’s request.

“I believe that our future as a party and nation is bright and I have every intention of continuing to fight for our president, our party and our candidates,” the Florida senator said in a statement.

Martinez said he was relinquishing the post to spend more time focusing on his constituents and because the RNC had achieved the objective he set when he assumed the job in January.

“It was my goal as general chairman to lead the party as it established the structure and raised the resources necessary to support our presidential candidate and ensure Republican victories next November. I believe we have accomplished those goals,” Martinez said.

Yes, it’s quite a record of accomplishments. There was the… well, how about the… who can forget about the time…. OK, Martinez seems to have neither set nor met any actual goals as RNC chairman.

But I am curious about why he’s stepping down now.

The AP reported:

His departure was abrupt. Martinez wasn’t expected to step down until a Republican presidential nominee was selected. The earliest that could occur is February. […]

There was no immediate word on a replacement.

I hate to sound cynical, but isn’t this a little odd? The RNC chairman planned to step down next year, but abruptly shifts course, making a Friday-afternoon announcement, usually a time reserved for political figures who are avoiding attention.

For that matter, there was supposed to be a transition, so Martinez could hand the reins off to his successor. Instead, there simply won’t be an RNC chairman until one of the Republican presidential candidates locks up the nomination, which won’t happen for at least four months.

Seems like there might be more to this one. Hmm.