Famous quotes by Mel Martinez:

"Forty-two years ago, I came to America from communist Cuba so I might have a better way of life, a freer way of life - a more democratic way of life. I wanted to live the American Dream where if you worked hard and put your mind to the task, anything was possible."

"It's a mix of experiences that I think keeps me in touch with the common man. I'm not someone who's forgotten where he comes from."

"I will always vote on the side of freedom and our right to keep and bear arms."

"From time to time, the irresponsible acts of the Cuban government remind us that this is far more than about the freedom of one country, but it really is about the stability and security of the region and the national security interests of the United States."

"I don't want to come to Washington to be just another vote. I want to lead on issues that are important."

"Creating voluntary personal retirement accounts for our workers just entering the work force are a good idea that Congress should examine."

"Our focus needs to be on freeing dissidents and continuing to support the opposition movement within Cuba - not rewarding Castro and subsidizing and strengthening his totalitarian regime."

"In America, all things are possible."

"Senator Martinez is not driven by polls; he is driven by the needs of the state of Florida and its 17 million constituents."

"We had a little situation here earlier in the year that wasn't pleasant and wasn't right,"

"We need a new Latin American policy that is bold - different. We need to focus on building civil society, focus on the lack of infrastructure. We need look at ways to foster economic opportunity.There needs to be a more comprehensive economic vision in the region."