Republicans not alarmed by bad poll result for Blackburn in Tennessee

Republicans are not setting off alarm bells yet in Tennessee despite a new poll showing Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., trailing former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen by double digits.

According to a new poll by Middle Tennessee State University, Bredesen leads with 45 percent to Blackburn’s 35 percent. But while the race is viewed in some corners as winnable for Democrats, Republicans remain bullish about Blackburn’s chances in November. According to multiple GOP consultants and operatives, Bredesen is enjoying a distinct advantage in name identification, buoyed by his two-term governorship and month-long TV ad campaign.