Cornyn Possible Presidential Contender in 2012

If Republicans make big inroads in the Senate in next month’s elections, as expected, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas could turn into a popular presidential candidate for 2012. GOP heavies unimpressed with the current group of potential candidates have begun talking up Cornyn, The Hill reports.

Former Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida expressed approval for the idea in a conference Wednesday. “Cornyn has been NRSC [National Republican Senatorial Committee] chairman and has done a very effective job with it,” he told The Hill in an interview afterward.

“He’s raised a lot of money and made contacts throughout the country. Even if we don’t win the majority, he’s going to be riding a nice crest of success. Coming from a large state like Texas immediately puts you in a different category.”

But Brian Walsh, Cornyn’s spokesman at the NRSC, says the presidency is the last thought on Cornyn’s mind now. “His focus is firmly on the next three and a half weeks and the election results on Nov. 2 and his job serving as the senator from Texas.”