Well that was fast. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who formally announced a bid for Senate this morning, has already been endorsed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

The GOP leaders announced their support for Crist despite the fact that another respected Republican is running -- State Rep. Marco Rubio, the former Florida House speaker. Already facing an uphill battle against Crist in the Aug. 24, 2010 primary, the NRSC's endorsement -- which implies financial and organizational help for Crist -- makes the climb that much steeper for Rubio. Not to mention, the state party is touting their endorsements on its website.

"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 said, acknowledging the snub. "Governor Crist is a dedicated public servant and a dynamic leader, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide our full support to ensure that he is elected the next United States Senator from Florida."