Martinez celebrates his win as first Cuban-American elected to Senate

Published: 2004-11-08

ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) -- As he celebrated becoming the first Cuban-American to be elected to the Senate, Mel Martinez recalled that he came to the United States as a penniless teenager, and credited his achievements to "charitable organizations and good people" who have helped him over the years. Following a hard-fought campaign, Martinez, a Catholic, was elected Nov. 2 by a narrow margin over his Democratic opponent, Betty Castor. After receiving a congratulatory call from President George W. Bush the day after the election, Martinez was joined by his wife, Kitty, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., in his first press conference as senator-elect. Martinez's win helped give the Republicans a majority in the Senate. "Mel, it's real," said Frist, as he pulled a card from his pocket and read the official guidelines for a U.S. senator. "Now make sure to show up for work ... and be there on time."

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