Raul Martinez launches tirade over Clinton fundraising flap

[Herman Munster]

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/233134.html

Florida's GOP chief ripped Hillary Clinton for attending a fundraiser Monday hosted by former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez, triggering a four-lettered tirade from the brash politician who beat back federal corruption charges nearly two decades ago.

Martinez was convicted but successfully appealed, and two subsequent trials ended in hung juries. Told about the snarky press release from Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, Martinez called him a vulgar word for a female body part.

''I would debate any f------ Republican about my past,'' Martinez said in a telephone interview. ``We'll have a debate mano a mano if they want to take me on. I'm going to take them on.''

He added: ``I'm a businessman. I'm a Democrat. Why shouldn't I raise money at my house? I will get on the horse, and I will beat the s--- out of them.''

Martinez, who stepped down as mayor in 2005, said he hasn't decided whether to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart in 2008. ''But if I do, I'll give anyone a run for their money,'' he said.