Martin took office in January 1933. His first term was controversial, and he was criticized for both his political appointments and his relief programs. Martin alienated hard-core Democrats of the state with the appointment of a number of Republicans to high state offices, many of whom were holdovers from the previous administration of Governor Roland Hartley. In justifying his appointment policy, Martin remarked: "I did not get all of my majority from Democrats and I think both parties should be represented." ("Spokesman Review," April 19, 1933 p. 3) Martin recognized the need to set aside partisan politics to effectively combat the Depression.