Is Mel Martinez's senate seat cursed? All the big name candidates are taking a pass, including moments ago, ostensible Republican frontrunner Bill McCollum: "Over the past several weeks since the announcement of Senator Mel Martinez that he would not seek re-election, I have given considerable thought to the possibility of running for his United States Senate seat,'' he said.

"The people of Florida have given me the honor of serving them as their Attorney General. Our team has made great strides combating internet child predators, gangs and mortgage and Medicaid fraud, and in providing consumer protection. But there is more to do. "Unless circumstances change it is my intention, at the appropriate time, to announce that I will be seeking re-election as Florida’s Attorney General."

That's good news for every other potential Republican candidate, especially U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV, who happens to share McCollum's media consultant, Arthur Finkelstein.