John Cornyn Omits Florida From List of Likely GOP Senate Pickups

Has Florida's U.S. Senate contest fallen off the Republican radar?

John Cornyn, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, on Thursday listed seven states with good-to-fair prospects for GOP pickups in 2012.

They are: North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Missouri, Wisconsin, Virginia and New Mexico.

Cornyn, R-Texas, did not include Florida, where a half-dozen Republicans have lined up to challenge Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.

That large and unsettled field may have Cornyn hedging his bet in the Sunshine State -- at least until a primary victor emerges.

In any event, Cornyn, speaking on Laura Ingraham's radio show, said he is hoping for a four-seat swing next year, which would give the GOP control of the Senate.

Democrats currently hold a 51-47 edge over Republicans in the chamber, plus two independents who generally vote with Democrats.

After Ingraham's program ended, RNSC spokesman Jahan Wilcox told Sunshine State News that Republicans have a good shot in Florida.

"Bill Nelson has been a rubber stamp for Obama, providing a pivotal vote for Obamacare. Florida will be a very competitive race next fall," Wilcox said.