Jeb Bush Says He Won't Run For Open Senate Seat in 2010

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush announced Tuesday that he would not run for the Senate in 2010, an early setback for Republican recruiters seeking to mount a comeback in the chamber.

In a statement released yesterday, the brother of President Bush called the opportunity to serve "compelling" but added: "Now is not the right time to return to elected office."

Jeb Bush, who served as Florida's chief executive from 1999 until 2007, would have immediately become the front-runner in the open-seat race created by the retirement of Sen. Mel Martinez (R), and his decision not to run almost ensures a crowded and contested GOP primary.

Among others mentioned as potential contenders are Reps. Vern Buchanan and Connie Mack, as well as former state House speaker Marco Rubio and state Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Democrats have focused their attention on state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the only Democrat besides Sen. Bill Nelson holding statewide office in Florida. Reps. Ron Klein, Allen Boyd and Kendrick B. Meek, as well as state Sen. Dan Gelber and Miami Mayor Manny Diaz are also in the Democratic mix.

Martinez is one of two Republican senators who have announced they will not seek reelection in 2010, joining Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.), who has said he will honor his pledge to limit himself to two terms and will return home to run for governor. Overall, Republicans must defend 20 seats to Democrats' 17 in 2010.