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State Sen. Speaker, 18 Other Sen. Endorse Blackburn

Posted at 10:45 AM, Feb 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-22 11:45:54-05

Tennessee's Senate leader and 18 other Republican state senators have endorsed U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn in her U.S. Senate bid.

Blackburn's campaign announced the endorsements Wednesday as U.S. Sen. Bob Corker considers whether he wants to reverse course and face Blackburn in a Republican primary.

More state House members and conservative groups have also recently said they support Blackburn.

Senate Speaker Randy McNally said Wednesday it's time for all Republicans to rally around Blackburn.

Corker's camp has said he's "listening closely" to those encouraging him to reconsider because the contest could sway the Republican-led Senate's thin majority.

Aside from U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, who left the Senate race last week, almost no Republicans have publicly called for Corker to run again.

Former Gov. Phil Bredesen is the expected Democratic nominee.