Washington, D.C.
Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida will replace Ken Mehlman as chairman of the Republican National Committee, party officials said this week. The appointment of Martinez, a Cuban-American who served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development during President Bush's first term, was seen by some analysts as a bid to repair relations with Hispanic voters. The harsh anti-immigrant rhetoric employed by some Republicans during the midterm elections apparently alienated some Hispanics. Republicans captured 30 percent of the Hispanic vote, compared to 44 percent who voted for President Bush in 2004. Martinez will retain his Senate seat.
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