Martinez tries to get back in the race

Since I've talked about his campaign a couple of times already, I thought I'd late anyone who comes her for the latest Martinez news know that he's launching his first TV ads featuring George Bush.

Martinez, who was Bush's Housing and Urban Development secretary, was recruited by White House political operatives to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Bob Graham, who is retiring after 18 years in the office.

Recent polls show Martinez trailing former Orlando-area Congressman Bill McCollum, who ran for the U.S. Senate four years ago and lost to Democrat Bill Nelson.

The footage of Bush in the ad comes from visits he made to Florida. During several stops, Bush went out of his way to praise Martinez. The president did not do any special filming for the campaign, according to Martinez strategists. Bush has not formally endorsed Martinez, and his brother, Gov. Jeb Bush, has remained neutral in the race, saying only that he will support the eventual nominee.