Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Martinez matures

After a troubling start, Florida's freshman senator seems to be finding a voice that speaks for the people of Florida.

It's not always easy to criticize old bosses, particularly when they are still in a position to help or hurt you. But after a rough start, Sen. Mel Martinez is beginning to find his own voice instead of reflexively parroting President Bush. That's a hopeful sign for his new bosses, Florida voters.

Martinez, speaking at the annual meeting of the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors last week, said he is discouraged by the lack of progress in the war in Iraq. He became the first prominent Republican to suggest the White House should consider closing the infamous prison for terrorism suspects in Guantanamo Bay. He gently chastised the Bush administration for not paying enough attention to Latin America.

Those aren't particularly bold assertions. The American public no longer supports the war, and despite the Bush administration's spin it is difficult to be optimistic about when the situation in Iraq will improve and U.S. troops can begin returning home. The president seemed to leave the door open to closing Guantanamo Bay, which has become an international symbol for the mistreatment of prisoners, even if the vice president immediately slammed it shut. And Latin America has been neglected as the White House focuses on Iraq and Afghanistan.

But Martinez's candid observations suggest he is making progress in his transition from a member of Bush's Cabinet to high-profile freshman senator with his own agenda and constituents. Another indication came Monday as Martinez signaled he would join Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson if they determined it would be good strategy to delay a vote on an energy bill unless a ban on drilling in federal waters off Florida's coast is maintained.

Martinez got off to a terrible start in the Senate by jumping into the divisive Terri Schiavo controversy, supporting drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in exchange for White House support for a gulf drilling moratorium that already existed, and being ill-served by a staff with little connection to Florida. To his credit, he has acknowledged the learning curve has been high and that he has made some mistakes. There is still plenty of time and room to grow into an effective senator.

It should come as no surprise that Martinez generally will support the president. But his latest remarks suggest he is starting to find his way and becoming more comfortable standing up for himself - and for Floridians.

[Last modified June 14, 2005, 17:02:26]