Clock ticking for Martínez camp

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In the Republicans' crowded race for Senate, political observers are questioning the depth -- and wisdom -- of the White House's support for candidate Mel Martínez.

"Refugee from Castro's Cuba. Former U.S. housing secretary. One-time political leader from swing-voter-rich Orlando.

On paper, Mel Martínez looks like the perfect GOP candidate for U.S. Senate to campaign with President Bush for Florida's crucial Hispanic vote.

But, almost a year after the rumored backing of the White House, Republican campaign wonks are starting to wonder: Where's all the presidential help? And if Martínez is such a formidable candidate, why is it taking him so long to catch fire?

Less than three months before the eight-candidate, winner-take-all primary, Martínez has yet to pull away from the pack, trailing former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum by 5 to 10 percentage points in a number of early opinion surveys of likely voters."