When U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez assumes the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee in January, he’ll do so as a political figure who is largely unknown by the general American voting public. Fifty-one percent (51%) of America’s voters don’t know enough to give an opinion of the first-term lawmaker (see crosstabs).

Overall, 25% view Martinez favorably and 24% view him unfavorably. However, even these numbers are a bit soft—just 7% have a “very” favorable opinion while 9% give him a “very” unfavorable review.

A separate survey found that the nation’s new Democratic Congressional leaders are similarly unknown.

Martinez, elected to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate in 2004, served as the secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2001-2003 when he resigned to run for the Senate. Martinez will replace current RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman when his term expires in January. He plans to perform the chairman’s duties in addition to serving in the Senate.

Martinez made news earlier this spring when an immigration bill he co-sponsored with Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska), which called for stronger border control combined with increased opportunities for legal immigration, passed the Senate.

The bill, strongly favored by President Bush, passed only because of its support from Democrats. Most Republicans in the Senate voted against the bill and it was completely rejected by House Republicans. Generally, the GOP lawmakers wanted stronger border enforcement provisions and fewer opportunities for amnesty (see our most recent polling on immigration).

Rasmussen Reports in monitoring the favorability ratings of leading political figures on an ongoing basis. You can see the ratings of 2008 Republican Presidential hopefuls, 2008 Democratic Presidential contenders, and other Political Leaders.

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