Mel Martinez Replacing Modesto Maidique at FIU?

So, a bit of the massive Mel Martinez early-retirement rumor we missed yesterday is that Martinez might become president of a Florida university, and The Buzz points out it just so happens Florida International University is looking for a prez. Well, isn't that nice. Martinez is denying left and right that he'll...

By Kyle Munzenrieder

February 3, 2009

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So, a bit of the massive Mel Martinez early-retirement rumor we missed yesterday is that Martinez might become president of a Florida university, and The Buzz points out it just so happens Florida International University is looking for a prez. Well, isn't that nice.

Martinez is denying left and right that he'll be stepping down early, but Help Wanted signs outside university presidents' offices come around only once in a while.

Appointing a former Bush cabinet secretary as president would also add a new dynamic to FIU's fledgling cross-town rivalry with UM, which has former Clinton cabinet secretary Donna Shalala in its top office.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was seen as a possible replacement for outgoing Prez Modesto Maidique, but she quickly put those rumors to rest. It seems no one questioned her denial, but no one is entirely ruling out Martinez stepping aside.

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