Mel Martinez

A Senator from Florida. Born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, on October 23, 1946. Immigrated to the United States in 1962. Lived with foster families until reunited with his family in Orlando, Fla. , in 1966. J. D. , College of Law, Florida State University 1973. Practiced law in Orlando, Fla. , for twenty-five years. Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development 2001-2005. Elected as a Republican to the U. S. Senate in 2004 and served from January 3, 2005, until his resignation on September 9, 2009.