Martinez:

"I thank all of those who helped me reach the highest elected office that an immigrant can hold in this great country.  And I especially thank my family, who has supported me every step of the way – especially Kitty, who has sacrificed much more than me and without whom none of this would have been possible.

"Some might try to characterize this decision in terms of political affairs.   Some will say a re-election campaign would have been too difficult.  But I’ve faced much tougher odds in political campaigns and in life.  My decision was not based on reelection prospects, but on what I want to do with the next eight years of my life.

"The thought of devoting more time to my roles as husband, dad, granddad, brother and son to the family I love and cherish, and to be "Mel" to the friends I miss – makes this decision far easier than one might think.

Shorter Mel — I was going to lose, so I quit.