Today's resignation of Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) doesn't really change the dynamics of next year's U.S. Senate race because Gov. Charlie Crist (R) remains the runaway favorite in the race.
However, because Crist can choose a friendly placeholder for the seat, it's highly likely he could take the seat shortly after the November 2010 election -- giving him an advantage in seniority over the majority of new senators who will not take their seats until January 2011.