Crist crushing potential challengers in Senate race, but it's not a walk yet

Senator Crist? It certainly looks that way. Currently Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL) appears to be headed for a landslide win in the 2010 Florida elections which will send a new Senator to Washington D.C. from the Sunshine State... FULL STORY.

Sen. John Cornyn Chastizes Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), on Thursday, spoke out in defense of President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, Hon. Sonia Sotomayer, saying that the accusations of racism leveled at her by Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich are "inappropriate" and that he "does not endorse" such tactics or language. He said, "This is not the kind of tone any of us want to set when it comes to performing our constitutional responsibilities of advise and consent.” Video here

Cornyn is the Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has grabbed headlines recently for his endorsement of Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who is running for US Senate; and for his brief upset with Hillary Clinton in January.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist Announces Run For US Senate

Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced early Tuesday morning that he would run for the open Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL). Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, was quick to issue an endorsement of Crist over his potential primary challenger, Marco Rubio, who has positioned himself as a more conservative option than Crist, who openly campaigned with President Obama for his national stimulus package. Rubio is currently Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Florida State legislature. Crist's likely Democratic opponent will be Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL). Gov. Crist's name has also been floated as an early contender for the presidency in 2012, although his announcement of a Senate run makes this less likely. Crist is the first governor of Florida since the 1968 Constitution change to not seek re-election, and if he wins the Senate race, will be resigning his post as Governor almost 2 years early.

State Farm Bails Out of the Hurricane State, Florida Says Good Riddance

State Farm Insurance announced on Tuesday that they were pulling out of Florida, discontinuing all policies in the state within two years. Gov. Crist displayed a seeming, "good riddance" attitude toward the insurance giant, claiming they have been uncooperative, antagonistic business partners to the state, have asked for more rate increases than any other insurance firm, and now have asked to be allowed to offer selective policies throughout the state. Crist said, "They probably charge the highest rates in the state anyway. Floridians will be much better off without them." Taking a cue from the governor, the state Insurance Commissioner Commissioner Kevin McCarty has subpoenaed State Farm's client record for Florida, saying in a press release today, "We need to fully understand all the potential risks, so that we can properly evaluate State Farm’s withdrawal plan." Florida State Senator Mike Fasano (R) was quoted yesterday saying, "They should be ashamed of themselves," and is calling for legislation in the state Senate to prevent "cherry picking," or selective policy offerings, and to forbid any insurer from canceling more than 2 percent of existing homeowner insurance policies in any given year.