By Karen Lee Ziner
Journal staff writer

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- Ramón Martínez, president of the Latino advocacy group Progreso Latino, has resigned.

Martínez, who headed the agency for a little more than three years, said he plans to pursue "national endeavors," and write a book.

In a news release issued Monday, Martínez said his resignation "has not been an easy decision for me." He said he is confident that he "fulfilled, inculcated, and successfully executed" the mission and vision he had planned for the organization.

He dispelled rumors that he planned to challenge Rhode Island Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy in the 2010 race for the state's First Congressional District.

Martínez last week said he would "neither confirm nor deny" those rumors.

But on Monday, Martínez said, "I do not have any intention to run for Representative Kennedy's seat.