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President and Mrs. Bush Congratulate Senator Mel Martinez on Distinguished
Career
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 2, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush Congratulate Senator Mel Martinez on Distinguished
Career

ÿÿWhite House News


STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Throughout his distinguished career, Senator Mel Martinez has been a
wonderful public servant. Mel's life story is a testament to the power of
the American dream. Since immigrating to the United States from Cuba at the
age of 15 as a part of Operation Pedro Pan, he has taken on big challenges
and built a record of achievement.

By becoming our country's first Cuban-American Cabinet member as Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development and the first Cuban-American United States
Senator, he has been a source of inspiration to people all across our
country. As General Chairman of the Republican National Committee, he
worked to strengthen our party and expand outreach to new audiences. In
addition, he has been a passionate voice for freedom in his native country.

Laura and I thank Mel for his leadership and friendship over the past eight
years, and we wish him and Kitty the best as he finishes his career in the
Senate and afterward.

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