Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL), variously described as the head or the face of the Republican Party is calling it quits stepping down after less than 11 months on the job, according to the AP:

Mel Martinez, the public face of the Republican National Committee as its general chairman, announced Friday he was stepping down from his post after serving only 10 months.
“I believe that our future as a party and nation is bright and I have every intention of continuing to fight for our president, our party and our candidates,” the Florida senator said in a statement.
His resignation came months earlier than anticipated. Martinez wasn’t expected to step down until a Republican presidential nominee was selected, and the earliest that could occur is February.
The RNC said Martinez’ job would not be filled.
Martinez, who is up for re-election in 2010, said he was relinquishing the job to spend more time focusing on his constituents and because the RNC had achieved the objective he set when he assumed the job in January.
“It was my goal as general chairman to lead the party as it established the structure and raised the resources necessary to support our presidential candidate and ensure Republican victories next November. I believe we have accomplished those goals,” Martinez said.
Martinez quits as RNC general chairman – Yahoo! News

I particularly like the part where he says, “My work here is done.”

The party has no plans to replace him. I guess without a leader the Republicans figure they’ll be immune from the old “Fish rot from the head” problems.