Florida Gov. Charlie Crist makes his run for U.S. Senate official

In a news release from the Republican Party of Florida e-mailed at 9:12 a.m., Gov. Charlie Crist confirmed the worst-kept secret in Florida politics: He'll run for the seat to be vacated by the retiring U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez.

"Here in Florida, we've shown that when we put people first and work together. much can be accomplished, and I intend to bring that same approach to Washington,'' Crist said. That is why, after thoughtful consideration with my wife Carole, I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate.''

His low-key announcement no press conference, no statewide fly-around starkly contrasts with the high-stakes political firestorm it triggers. Florida is likely to see as many as five statewide races for open seats in 2010.

Crist's campaign for higher office will be the career politician's fifth bid for statewide office in a decade. He's lost only once to incumbent Democrat Bob Graham for the U.S. Senate in 1998.

His resume includes state senator, deputy secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, education commissioner and attorney general.

Even before Crist's news release came out, his leading Republican rival, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, was decrying a rumored endorsement from the National Republican Senate Committee. It's rare for the national party to intervene publicly in a primary.

But moments after the Crist announcement, Sen. John Cornyn, who heads the committee, sent out a release:

"I am pleased today to endorse Governor Charlie Crist for the United States Senate. With his record of reform in Florida, I know that Governor Crist will bring a fresh perspective to Washington in our efforts to fight for lower taxes, less government, and new job creation for all Americans. Charlie Crist is a tireless advocate on behalf of all Floridians and one of only three Governors who earned an 'A' from the CATO Institute for his efforts to restrain spending and cut taxes last year."

Rubio, whom Cornyn praised in the same e-mail as someone "with a very bright future in the Republican Party," expressed disappointment in an online message to supporters. "Remember that reform must always come from the outside. Status quo won't change itself.''