Corker weighs his options as GOP frets about losing Tennessee

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

Retiring Sen. Bob Corker is “listening” to Republicans urging him to run for reelection, according to a person close to him, a development that would quell anxiety among Republicans over losing a must-win seat to Democrats this fall.

The two-term Tennessee GOP senator decided to call it quits in September amid an on-again, off-again dispute with President Donald Trump that eroded his standing with the party’s base. But now a faction of Republicans in Tennessee and Washington are worried that the favorite for the Republican Senate nomination, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), could lose a general election — and with it the Republican Senate majority.

They want Corker to get back in to hold the seat and preserve waning foreign policy experience in the GOP. And there are signs that he is open to it, despite the steep uphill climb a Republican primary might entail.

“While Corker is listening to the concerns that have been raised, he hasn’t made any commitments,” said the person close to Corker. Corker himself said on Monday he had no comment on the race.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/12/tennessee-corker-republicans-senate-405971

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Cook Political Report has this as a "Tossup" with Blackburn running against former Democratic Governor Phil Brededen.

[BumRushDaShow]

1. It would be nice to get that seat!

Al Gore's state no doubt.

[LonePirate]

2. If the GOP are worried about TN, then several other states are already lost for them.

AZ and NV come to mind, which could be especially beneficial to us in AZ if McCain resigns and there are two seats on the ballot in November.

[Salviati]

3. If Corker is half as concerned about the direction his party is going in...

... as he claims. He should agree to run, and then campaign for his opponent. Let's face it, the republicans are a long, long way down a dark path, and they aren't going to turn around, if that's even possible, until they are driven out of the halls of power.

[paleotn]

4. He'll lose the primary

to bat shit crazy, so what's the point? That vile excuse for a life form will then loose to Bredesen in a squeaker. Hopefully, the ole home state will then come to its senses and stop electing so many worthless jackasses. The last part may be too much to ask.

I met Bredesen once while he was governor. A genuinely good guy.

[riversedge]

5. Club for Growth is supporting vile Marsha Blackburn1

Not good.



................. Corker weighs his options as GOP frets about losing Tennessee

The two-term senator is being urged to reconsider his retirement amid concerns Republicans could lose his seat in November.

By BURGESS EVERETT

02/12/2018 06:30 PM EST


Asked to respond to Corker’s second thoughts and the coterie of Republicans pushing him to run again, Blackburn’s campaign insisted she was in the race to stay, whether Corker runs or not. Blackburn’s allies argue she will unite the GOP in the conservative state and crush Bredesen in the fall.

“It’s well past time for the good old boys’ club in Washington, D.C., to quit thinking they know who the best candidate and conservative leader is for Tennessee families,” said Andrea Bozek, a spokeswoman for Blackburn.

Public polls show Blackburn is a heavy favorite over former Rep. Stephen Fincher in the primary to succeed Corker, and her allies argue the state is so Republican that she can’t lose after winning the primary. Trump won nearly 2-to-1 against Hillary Clinton in Tennessee. She also raised $2 million in her first quarter as a candidate, a significant haul. Meanwhile, a Club for Growth poll from January showed Blackburn trouncing Corker.
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The Club for Growth, which has spent millions in past elections to defeat more moderate Republicans, will stick with Blackburn regardless of whether Corker reverses course. Their poll showed Blackburn beating Fincher by more than 50 points and also showed Blackburn trouncing Corker.