With Hispanic voters in Florida and nationally seen as a key to the presidential race, Sen. Mel Martinez Thursday night took the Republican National Convention stage to describe John McCain as the candidate best prepared to be president “in a dangerous world.”

“This is not a time for on-the-job-training,” said Martinez, referring to Barack Obama as “a relative newcomer on the national scene and an unproven quantity on the global stage.”

“The challenges and dangers we face in this uncertain world call for strong leadership, and a clear understanding of the threats we face, and how to meet and beat them,” said Martinez. “Only one man is qualified to meet the current challenges across the globe. Only one man has a history of always putting country first.”

“That man is John McCain,” said Martinez.

Martinez, the first Cuban-American U.S. senator, was one a handful of speakers given prime spots leading up to McCain’s presidential nomination acceptance speech.

Martinez’ 11th-hour support of John McCain just prior to Florida’s Jan. 29 primary helped boost McCain to victory in that state. Showcasing his support of McCain Thursday night comes as the simmering immigration debates in Congress have hurt the GOP’s standing with Hispanics.

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