John Cornyn poised to announce bid for Senate GOP leader [Video]

Sen. Ted Cruz held back when asked if he would back Cornyn. “Oh, there’ll be plenty of time to assess those questions,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

This could be John Cornyn’s moment.

After years serving among the top — but not the very top — of Senate Republican leadership, Texas’ senior senator has a chance at the job he has long wanted: Senate Republican leader. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced his plans to retire from the post Wednesday after 17 years leading his party.

Cornyn hasn’t formally announced that he’ll run for the post, but he has frequently hinted at his desire to succeed McConnell. When asked about his plans Wednesday, Cornyn said: “I think today is about Mitch McConnell, but I’ve made no secret of my intentions.”

When asked when he thinks he would announce a run, Cornyn merely grinned.

McConnell is the longest-serving Senate leader of either party in American history, leaving an …