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TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ― Governor Charlie Crist just could not resist the lure. He made it official Tuesday. Florida's governor is saying no to a gubernatorial re-election bid in favor of trying to win the U.S. Senate seat being vacated in 2010 by fellow Republican Mel Martinez. Crist said, "I want to serve where I can serve the people of my state the best and I believe that to be the U.S. Senate."

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, the Governor said he can help Florida more from Washington.

"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 in the statement.

Crist is the early favorite in the race. There's no question about that. Democratic contenders Kendrick Meek and Dan Gelber are not household names. Neither is Marco Rubio, the arch-conservative Miami Republican and former Florida House Speaker. As it stands now, he would take on Crist in the Republican primary next year. Already the Rubio team is out with a campaign ad that tries to portray Crist as too cozy with President Obama. Crist, though, makes likeability and political moderation his strengths. They will be tough to overcome.

The governor kept his announcement low-key, choosing to issue a statement rather than hold a press conference, even though his official schedule had three media events related to other business. The idea is to project the image that he is focused on his current job rather than already campaigning. During one of those media events in Tallahassee, the Governor stressed that he's dedicated to the state of Florida.

"For me it's always been about service, wanting to serve the people of Florida the very best I possibly can. I am honored to be the Governor of this great state, but I also understand the challenges that Florida faces aren't just Florida challenges, they're 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 U.S. Senator, that's why I'm running for Senate, to serve the people the best way I possibly can," said Crist.

Crist is already a front-runner to replace Martinez, who is leaving office after one term. He has maintained approval ratings in the high 60-percent range despite the state's gloomy economy, budget cuts, a high foreclosure rate and the highest unemployment level since 1975. That popularity is credited to an unwavering optimism, bipartisan attitude and the projection of a sense that he cares.

For all that, the governor is no cinch to head to Capitol Hill. One political observer said it is going to be hard for Crist to argue how being a junior senator in a GOP out of power in Washington provides a big boost for the everyday fortunes of Floridians.

Already Democrats are accusing him of cutting and running while Florida is mired in economic crisis. That complaint could stick. Crist's promises of big cuts in property taxes and insurance premiums have not materialized. The foreclosure sign is the new state symbol for hardship. Federal stimulus money—while welcome—won't keep the budget ax from swinging in many schools.

The governor, whose ability to charm people is sometimes compared to Bill Clinton's, was on the list of possible 2008 GOP vice presidential candidates.

Sen. John Cornyn, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, quickly endorsed Crist. Senate Republicans are looking at the likelihood that the Democrats will hold a 60-seat majority in the Senate that can overcome GOP filibusters and help pass President Barack Obama's legislative agenda. Democrats and independents hold 59 seats and would reach 60 if Al Franken wins a marathon recount in Minnesota.

On the Democratic side, Crist has to deal with U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, state Sen. Dan Gelber and North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns, who have already thrown their hats in the ring for the race.

Crist's announcement will also likely stir up Florida politics as others scramble to replace the popular governor, who was considered a shoo-in had he sought a second term.

Crist's decision gives Democrats their best chance in more than a decade at winning back some power in Tallahassee. Republicans have controlled the governor's mansion and the Legislature since former Gov. Jeb Bush began the first of his two terms in 1998.

All three of Florida's Cabinet members are expected to get in the race to replace Crist. Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, a Democrat, and Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum would forgo re-election to run for governor. Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, who under Florida law can't seek a third term, has also said he will get in the race.

Fernand Amandi is a political pollster with Bendixen & Associates in Miami.  He says, "Many Floridians are going to ask if we are better off than we were four or eight years ago. And I think many, because of economic conditions today, are going to say no and that is something the governor is going to have to answer for."

Governor Crist already has one answer ready. He said, "My attention will be focused on Florida as it always has. It's important to do the job and do it every day."

That's the political juggling act ahead for Governor Crist as he tries to woo voters while navigating the economic minefield that is Florida right now.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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