By Paul Steinhauser
CNN Deputy Political Director
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Score a big one for John Cornyn.
The senator from Texas and chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee on Tuesday reeled in a big catch as popular Republican Florida Gov. Charlie Crist announced he'll forgo a re-election bid and instead run for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Mel Martinez.
"The challenges that Florida faces are not just Florida's challenges, they are national issues, and as a result of that I believe I can best serve the people of Florida, if they're willing to allow me, as their next United States senator," Crist said Tuesday morning.
Minutes after Crist's announcement, Cornyn quickly put out a statement saying "the National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide our full support to ensure that he is elected the next United States Senator from Florida."
About an hour later, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also backed Crist, another sign that national Republicans want to avoid a GOP primary in the Sunshine State.
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more:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/12/senate.2010/index.htmlCrist counts as a 'big fish'?? Oh, really ? I lived in FL long enough to know a mullet when I see one.