Hey, a political writer can dream, right?

Let's stipulate that almost every name out there for Mel Martinez's senate seat is rank speculation at this point. But the fact remains that on the Republican side, only two people -- Charlie Crist and Jeb Bush -- could effectively clear the GOP field on a Senate race, just as Alex Sink, to a lesser extent, would on the Democratic side.

And for either Republican, the Senate seat would be their best shot at a long-term political perch that ultimately could lead to, say, the White House. Plus, wouldn't it be a fun to have a wide open governor's race in 2010 if Crist did decide to aim for Washington?

"I think the governor is really in the catbird seat right now. He's a formidable, formidable person,'' said 2004 Senate candidate Betty Castor. "And I don't know that the governor has to make up his mind right away. Everybody else probably does."

Her daughter, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, isn't expressing any interest, but how about Betty making another run for the Senate? "I would support Alex Sink,'' she said.

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