At least four Republicans are eyeing the Tennessee Senate seat opened by Sen. Bob Corker’s retirement after two terms, but state political aces believe popular Gov. Bill Haslam is the frontrunner by a country mile.
Corker announced his decision Tuesday and top Tennessee Republicans are already looking at jumping into the 2018 race.
Associates said that Haslam, who is term-limited out in 2018, is interested in running and would be a commanding force if he jumped into the GOP primary.
One said the race has two paths, Haslam gets in and “clears the field,” or he doesn’t, and several conservatives and House members fight it out.
Serving the people of Tennessee in this capacity has been the greatest privilege of my life. My statement: pic.twitter.com/IqNVlhD7Vv
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) September 26, 2017
Another state political insider told us that Haslam would be the “clear heavyweight.”
NEW: Marsha Blackburn spox confirms that she is looking at running for Senate in 2018, says she’s taking next week to look at race pic.twitter.com/LUKPRTbSaz
— Al Weaver (@alweaver22) September 27, 2017
Observers are also looking at former three-term Rep. Stephen Fincher. He is described as a conservative “still serious about governing, farmer and former traveling gospel singer. Story so good you can’t make it up.”
The Examiner’s Al Weaver reported that Rep. Marsha Blackburn plans to take a week to decide if she will enter the race.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
