Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) released the following statement today in regards to Sen. Mel Martinez's announcement that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2010:

"I want to join my fellow Floridians in thanking Senator Martinez for his service. I am a fifth generation Floridian with deep roots in the state, and I want to see the state I love and my fellow Floridians thrive. Right now, our state and our nation are experiencing challenging times. President-elect Obama and Senator Bill Nelson will need a strong, steady partner in the U.S. Senate. We need aggressive, bipartisan solutions to the economic, domestic, and foreign policy challenges that face the country.

"I have been considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2010, prior to Sen. Martinez's announcement today. I will continue to discuss the race with state and national party leaders and with my supporters in North Florida and throughout the state. Most importantly, I'll talk about this with my family, and I expect we'll make a final decision very early next year."