Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) late Monday withdrew his name from consideration for the appointment to replace Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), who is expected to resign by the end of August.In a statement released to the media, Diaz-Balart said he informed Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) that he would remove his name from consideration for the appointment.“I have informed Governor Charlie Crist this evening that I will not be submitting the questionnaire for appointment to the Senate he kindly asked me to consider submitting. It was a great honor to be considered by Governor Crist for appointment to the United States Senate. I thank him for his kind gesture of confidence,— Diaz-Balart wrote. “After giving the Governor’s request serious consideration and deliberation, I have decided to remain in the U.S. House of Representatives fighting for the causes which I deeply believe in,— the statement read.Diaz-Balart was one of three who received a Senate application form from Crist on Friday, which led to speculation that the nine-term Congressman was seriously considering leaving the House to take the appointment. The others who received the application form were former Florida Secretary of State Jim Smith and former U.S. Attorney Bobby Martinez.Crist is expected to appoint a caretaker to fill the vacancy since he is running for the open seat in 2010.