According to a release from his office, Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) will resign his seat at the close of business on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

His successor, George LeMieux, is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2:45 P.M. ET.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who is running for the Senate, appointed LeMieux to fill the remainder of Martinez's term on Aug. 28.

LeMieux becomes the fifth appointed senator since last November's elections. He joins Democrats Michael Bennet (CO), Ted Kaufman (DE), Roland Burris (IL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (NY). A sixth will be appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) when Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) resigns this fall to run for governor.

Tags: Washington Senators