Is Crist GOP Savior? Rubio Says No

Oh Caps, my fellow political nerds, we have a goodie cooking in the Sunshine State.

As you know, Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced today he's skipping a second term as governor (who needs the headaches?) and tossing his hat in the ring for the state's open U.S. Senate seat in 2010.

No sooner had the governor Tweeted his intentions than Washington's top Republicans announced they would back Crist's bid over fellow Republican Marco Rubio. This of course sets up a marquis contest between a moderate establishment leader and more conservative, grassroots upstart. In short, if you are a political junkie, this is your junk for 2010...

It started like this...

Just after 9 a.m., Crist wrote on Twitter, "After thoughtful consideration with my wife Carole, I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate."

Twenty minutes later, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) released a statement, saying, "While I believe Marco Rubio has a very bright future within the Republican Party, Charlie Crist is the best candidate in 2010 to ensure that we maintain the checks and balances that Floridians deserve in the United States Senate."

Cornyn is the chairman of the National Republican Senate Campaign Committee and the man in charge of doling out Washington money to Senate candidates around the country.

Just after noon, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell sent out an endorsement, on Crist campaign letterhead no less, saying, "I am pleased to endorse Governor Charlie Crist and provide my full support for his candidacy for the United States Senate."

The 37-year-old Rubio, a Cuban American and former speaker of the Florida house of Representatives, wasted no time responding. His website features a video hitting "Washington's same old broken ways," which reveals a spiraling photograph of Crist and President Barack Obama: