John Cornyn Gets No. 2 GOP Spot in Senate

Vows to bring in Texas values, as well as spirit of compromise

The patiently ambitious Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, vowed Wednesday to bring "core Texas values" and a readiness to compromise to his new post as second-in-command of Senate Republicans' diminished ranks.

Cornyn parlayed years of behind-the-scenes service in the Senate GOP leadership into the higher profile post of party "whip" where his job will be to muster 44 GOP colleagues on key Senate votes and serve as pitchman for his party's legislative priorities.