Election of US Senator Marsha Blackburn
The 2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee took place on November 6, 2018, concurrently with
other elections to the United States Senate,
elections to the
United States House of Representatives and various
state and local elections. Incumbent
Republican Senator
Bob Corker opted to retire instead of running for a third term. Republican U.S. Representative
Marsha Blackburn won the open seat, defeating former
Democratic Governor
Phil Bredesen .
Early in the campaign, Bob Corker said that Blackburn's opponent, Democrat
Phil Bredesen , was "a very good mayor, a very good governor, a very good businessperson", that he had "real appeal" and "crossover appeal", and that the two of them had cooperated well over the years. But Corker said he would vote for Blackburn and donate to her campaign, and questioned whether Bredesen would be able to win a Senate seat in a red state like Tennessee.
[2]
[3] After Corker's praise for Bredesen, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned Corker that such comments could cost the Republican Party its Senate majority.
[3] Shortly after Corker's comments, Trump tweeted an endorsement of Blackburn.
[3]
In October 2018, Tennessean singer-songwriter
Taylor Swift endorsed Bredesen. The endorsement was notable given that Swift had previously been publicly apolitical, but spoke out because Blackburn's voting record in Congress "appalled" and "terrified" her. Swift shared a link to the nonpartisan voter registration website
Vote.org , which saw a significant spike in page views and new registrations.
Donald Trump criticized Swift's endorsement.
[4]
[5]
[6]
This election was expected to be among the most competitive Senate races in 2018, with
CNN calling it the single most important Senate race in the country. Polls showed the race as close until the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice
Brett Kavanaugh started, which many Tennesseans believed the Democratic Party handled poorly. This is believed to have mobilized Republican voters and cost Bredesen any chance of winning.
[7] Bredesen also announced his support for Kavanaugh, which some believe cost him supporters.
[8]
On election day, Blackburn defeated Bredesen. This was Tennessee's closest Senate race since
2006 , with Blackburn winning by a 10.8% margin. The primaries took place on August 2, 2018, with Blackburn and Bredesen winning their respective party nominations.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Aaron Pettigrew, truck driver
[10]
Withdrawn
Declined
Mae Beavers , former state senator (
formerly ran for Governor )
[18]
Diane Black , U.S. Representative (
unsuccessfully ran for Governor )
[18]
Randy Boyd, former commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (
unsuccessfully ran for Governor )
[18]
Tim Burchett ,
Knox County Mayor (
running for TN-02 )
[19]
[20]
Joe Carr , former state representative, candidate for U.S. Senate in
2014 and candidate for
TN-06 in
2016
[21]
[22]
[23]
Chuck Fleischmann , U.S. Representative (
successfully ran for reelection )
[18]
Mark Green , state senator (
successfully ran for TN-07 )
[22]
[24]
Beth Harwell , Speaker of the
Tennessee House of Representatives (
unsuccessfully ran for Governor )
[18]
Bill Haslam ,
Governor of Tennessee
[25]
David Kustoff , U.S. Representative (
successfully ran for reelection )
[18]
Bill Lee , businessman (
ran for Governor )
[18]
Peyton Manning , retired football player
[26]
[27]
Randy McNally ,
Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee
[18]
Ron Ramsey , former
lieutenant governor and candidate for governor in
2010
[18]
Speculation surrounding Senator Corker
On September 26, 2017,
Republican Senator
Bob Corker announced that he would not seek another term in 2018.
[28] Many called on Corker to reverse his decision to retire.[
who? ] Former U.S. Representative
Fincher dropped out of the race, calling on Corker to jump back in and challenge U.S. Representative
Blackburn for the GOP nomination. Fincher said in a statement that the GOP should unite "behind a candidate who can win" the general election. Blackburn said she would remain in the race even if Corker reversed his decision. Amid the speculation about Corker's decision, many of Tennessee's Republican politicians, including many in the
Tennessee General Assembly , reiterated their support for Blackburn.
[29] Corker's chief of staff announced on February 27, 2018, that Corker would stick with his plan to retire.
[30]
Endorsements
Polling
Hypothetical polling
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Bob Corker
Generic Opponent
Undecided
Triton/Tennessee Star
May 31 - June 5, 2018
1,007
± 3.1%
41.6%
41.6%
17.3%
Results
Results by county: Blackburn—70–80%
Blackburn—80–90%
Blackburn—90%
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Withdrawn
James Mackler, attorney and veteran
[33]
Bill Bailey, teaching assistant and retired
UPS trailer mechanic
[34]
Declined
Andy Berke ,
Mayor of
Chattanooga
[35]
Megan Barry , former
Mayor of
Nashville
[18]
Jim Cooper , U.S. Representative and nominee for U.S. Senate in
1994
[18]
Karl Dean , former
Mayor of
Nashville (
running for Governor )
[36]
[37]
[38]
Craig Fitzhugh , Minority Leader of the
Tennessee House of Representatives (
unsuccessfully ran for Governor )
[39]
Bill Freeman, businessman and candidate for Mayor of
Nashville in
2015
[18]
[40]
Lee Harris ,
Minority Leader of the
Tennessee Senate
[39]
Jeff Yarbro , state senator
[41]
[42]
Raumesh Akbari , state representative
[39]
John Ray Clemmons, state representative
[43]
Tim McGraw , country musician, songwriter and actor
[44]
Results
Results by county: Bredesen—80–90%
Bredesen—>90%
Independents
Dean Hill, US Army Veteran, Ex-Government, Business Owner, Realtor
General election
Predictions
Source
Ranking
As of
The Cook Political Report
[46]
Tossup
October 26, 2018
Inside Elections
[47]
Lean R
November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball
[48]
Lean R
November 5, 2018
NYT
[49]
Tossup
November 5, 2018
Fox News
[50]
Lean R
November 5, 2018
CNN
[51]
Tossup
November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics
[52]
Tossup
November 5, 2018
Daily Kos
[53]
Lean R
November 5, 2018
Politico
[54]
Lean R
November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight
[55]
Likely R
November 5, 2018
Debates
Endorsements
Marsha Blackburn (R)
U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Governors
Local and statewide politicians
Paul Bailey , state senator
[76]
Mike Bell , state senator
[76]
Janice Bowling , state senator
[76]
Joe Carr , former state representative
[23]
Rusty Crowe , state senator
[76]
Mark Green , state senator
[76]
Dolores Gresham , state senator
[76]
Ferrell Haile , state senator
[76]
Jim Henry , former House Minority Leader
[77]
Joey Hensley , state senator
[76]
Jack Johnson , state senator
[78]
Brian Kelsey , state senator
[76]
Bill Ketron , state senator
[76]
William Lamberth , state representative
[79]
Jon Lundberg , state senator
[76]
Becky Duncan Massey , state senator
[76]
Randy McNally , state senator and Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee
[80]
Frank Niceley , state senator
[76]
Mark Pody , state senator
[76]
Jay Reedy, state representative
[81]
Kerry Roberts , state senator
[76]
John Stevens , state senator
[76]
Ken Yager , state senator
[76]
Jason Zachary, state representative
[82]
Individuals
Diamond and Silk , Social Media Personalities
[83]
Randy Boyd, candidate for governor
[72]
Chris W. Cox , executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action
[84]
Lee Greenwood , American
country music artist
[85]
Art Laffer , economist
[86]
Tomi Lahren , Political commentator
[87]
Bill Lee , businessman and candidate for governor
[88]
Ronna McDaniel , Chairperson of the
Republican National Committee
[89]
Candace Owens , communications director for
Turning Point USA
[90]
Dave Ramsey , businessman and author
[91]
Michael W. Smith , musician
[92]
Eric Trump , son of
President
Donald Trump
[93]
Darrell Waltrip , former
NASCAR driver
[94]
James Woods , actor
[95]
Chuck Woolery , game show host, talk show host, and musician
[96]
Organizations
Newspapers
Phil Bredesen (D)
Former U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Individuals
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers
Fundraising
Campaign finance reports as of Sep 30, 2018
Candidate (party)
Total receipts
Total disbursements
Cash on hand
Marsha Blackburn (R)
$11,568,094
$9,062,332
$2,505,762
Phil Bredesen (D)
$14,868,198
$11,693,910
$3,174,289
Source: Federal Election Commission
[135]
Polling
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Marsha Blackburn (R)
Phil Bredesen (D)
Other
Undecided
Targoz Market Research
October 28–31, 2018
480
–
49%
49%
–
2%
Emerson College
October 28–30, 2018
621
± 4.0%
52%
44%
2%
3%
FOX News
October 27–30, 2018
718 LV
± 3.5%
50%
41%
3%
5%
850 RV
± 3.0%
48%
40%
3%
8%
Vox Populi Polling
October 27–29, 2018
780
± 3.5%
53%
47%
–
–
CNN/SSRS
October 24–29, 2018
764 LV
± 4.3%
49%
45%
0%
3%
871 RV
± 4.0%
47%
46%
0%
4%
East Tennessee State University
Archived November 5, 2018, at the
Wayback Machine
October 22–29, 2018
495
± 4.4%
44%
44%
–
–
Cygnal (R)
October 26–27, 2018
497
± 4.4%
51%
45%
1%
4%
NBC News/Marist
October 23–27, 2018
471 LV
± 5.7%
51%
46%
1%
3%
764 RV
± 4.4%
49%
46%
1%
3%
Vanderbilt University/SSRS
October 8–13, 2018
800
± 4.9%
43%
44%
1%
8%
Targoz Market Research
October 9–12, 2018
558 LV
–
52%
48%
–
–
801 RV
–
44%
45%
–
11%
NYT Upshot/Siena College
October 8–11, 2018
593
± 4.2%
54%
40%
–
6%
Ipsos
October 4–11, 2018
1,108
± 3.4%
47%
44%
3%
6%
YouGov
October 2–5, 2018
871
± 3.6%
50%
42%
2%
6%
FOX News
September 29 – October 2, 2018
666 LV
± 3.5%
48%
43%
3%
7%
806 RV
± 3.5%
47%
41%
3%
8%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Bredesen)
September 23–25, 2018
600
± 4.0%
45%
47%
–
–
SurveyMonkey
September 9–24, 2018
1,609
± 3.3%
42%
42%
–
15%
Vox Populi Polling
September 16–18, 2018
567
± 4.1%
49%
51%
–
–
CNN/SSRS
September 11–15, 2018
723 LV
± 4.3%
45%
50%
0%
3%
852 RV
± 3.9%
42%
50%
0%
5%
Triton Polling & Research (R)
September 10–12, 2018
1,038
± 3.0%
48%
45%
–
7%
FOX News
September 8–11, 2018
686 LV
± 3.5%
47%
44%
1%
8%
809 RV
± 3.5%
45%
43%
2%
9%
NBC News/Marist
August 25–28, 2018
538 LV
± 5.1%
46%
48%
<1%
5%
730 RV
± 4.5%
44%
48%
<1%
7%
Gravis Marketing
August 9–11, 2018
620
± 3.9%
48%
44%
–
8%
Emerson College
Archived August 18, 2018, at the
Wayback Machine
July 11–14, 2018
657
± 4.1%
37%
43%
5%
17%
Public Policy Polling (D-Duty and Country PAC)
July 10–11, 2018
583
± 4.1%
41%
44%
–
15%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC)
July 9–11, 2018
551
± 4.2%
38%
35%
–
11%
SurveyMonkey/Axios
June 11 – July 2, 2018
1,010
± 4.5%
55%
41%
–
4%
Public Policy Polling (D-Health Care Voter)
April 30 – May 1, 2018
609
± 4.0%
43%
46%
–
–
SurveyMonkey/Axios
April 2–23, 2018
1,638
± 4.0%
47%
48%
–
5%
Mason-Dixon
April 17–19, 2018
625
± 4.0%
43%
46%
–
11%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Bredesen)
April 9–11, 2018
601
± 4.0%
41%
51%
–
8%
Middle Tennessee State University
March 22–29, 2018
600
± 4.0%
35%
45%
–
17%
Public Policy Polling (D-Protect Our Care)
March 15–16, 2018
1,014
± 3.1%
41%
46%
–
13%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC)
February 13–15, 2018
500
± 4.4%
44%
39%
–
17%
Public Opinion Strategies (R)
January 26–29, 2018
–
–
45%
47%
–
8%
Triton Polling & Research (R)
January 21–24, 2018
1,003
± 3.1%
51%
40%
–
10%
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC)
December 13–14 & 17, 2017
500
± 4.4%
43%
34%
–
23%
Gravis Marketing
December 11–12, 2017
563
± 4.1%
40%
42%
–
18%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-DSCC)
October 20–22, 2017
601
± 4.1%
41%
46%
–
13%
Hypothetical polling
with generic Republican and generic Democrat
with Bob Corker
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Bob Corker (R)
Phil Bredesen (D)
Undecided
WPA Intelligence (R-CDP PAC)
February 13–15, 2018
500
± 4.4%
35%
44%
21%
with Stephen Fincher
with Clay Travis
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Marsha Blackburn (R)
Phil Bredesen (D)
Clay Travis (I)
Undecided
Triton Polling & Research (R)
January 21–24, 2018
1,004
± 3.1%
48%
37%
6%
10%
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Stephen Fincher (R)
Phil Bredesen (D)
Clay Travis (I)
Undecided
Triton Polling & Research (R)
January 21–24, 2018
1,004
± 3.1%
35%
39%
10%
16%
with Bob Corker and generic Democrat
with Peyton Manning
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Peyton Manning (R)
Phil Bredesen (D)
Undecided
Gravis Marketing
December 11–12, 2017
563
± 4.1%
44%
39%
17%
Results
On November 6, 2018, Blackburn defeated Bredesen in the general election, carrying all but three counties, the largest number of counties ever won in an open senate election in Tennessee.
[136] Although polls began to show the race in Blackburn's favor following the Kavanaugh hearings, Blackburn won by a larger margin than all but one poll showed.
By county
County
[138]
Marsha BlackburnRepublican
Phil BredesenDemocratic
Other votes
Total votes
%
#
%
#
%
#
Anderson
56.60%
14,720
41.59%
10,818
1.81%
470
26,008
Bedford
68.61%
8,942
30.15%
3,929
1.24%
162
13,033
Benton
65.86%
3,489
32.50%
1,722
1.64%
87
5,298
Bledsoe
71.34%
2,908
26.89%
1,096
1.77%
72
4,076
Blount
63.97%
29,928
34.29%
16,040
1.74%
814
46,782
Bradley
71.96%
24,433
26.59%
9,030
1.45%
491
33,954
Campbell
71.04%
7,208
26.73%
2,712
2.24%
227
10,147
Cannon
68.83%
3,198
29.72%
1,381
1.44%
67
4,646
Carroll
68.85%
6,044
29.68%
2,606
1.47%
129
8,779
Carter
74.61%
13,946
24.32%
4,547
1.07%
200
18,693
Cheatham
63.21%
9,135
35.64%
5,150
1.15%
167
14,452
Chester
72.33%
3,902
24.91%
1,344
2.76%
149
5,395
Claiborne
71.60%
6,083
26.42%
2,245
1.98%
168
8,496
Clay
64.20%
1,643
34.04%
871
1.76%
45
2,559
Cocke
72.51%
7,528
25.25%
2,621
2.24%
233
10,382
Coffee
65.28%
11,115
32.73%
5,572
1.99%
339
17,026
Crockett
66.44%
2,984
31.57%
1,418
1.99%
89
4,491
Cumberland
71.26%
16,966
26.55%
6,321
2.19%
521
23,808
Davidson
28.46%
69,338
70.65%
172,137
0.89%
2,164
243,639
Decatur
70.09%
2,718
27.85%
1,080
2.06%
80
3,878
DeKalb
65.60%
3,906
33.32%
1,984
1.08%
64
5,954
Dickson
62.66%
10,465
35.88%
5,992
1.46%
243
16,700
Dyer
72.10%
8,013
26.08%
2,898
1.83%
203
11,114
Fayette
66.02%
11,371
32.74%
5,639
1.24%
214
17,224
Fentress
74.88%
4,745
22.72%
1,440
2.40%
152
6,337
Franklin
64.49%
8,981
34.29%
4,776
1.22%
170
13,927
Gibson
64.34%
10,407
33.10%
5,353
2.56%
414
16,174
Giles
66.63%
6,403
32.07%
3,082
1.30%
125
9,610
Grainger
73.99%
5,039
24.35%
1,658
1.66%
113
6,810
Greene
72.45%
14,844
26.34%
5,398
1.21%
248
20,490
Grundy
68.84%
2,587
29.30%
1,101
1.86%
70
3,758
Hamblen
69.71%
12,134
28.56%
4,972
1.73%
301
17,407
Hamilton
50.22%
67,152
48.70%
65,119
1.08%
1,437
133,708
Hancock
74.55%
1,327
23.71%
422
1.74%
31
1,780
Hardeman
51.35%
3,869
47.25%
3,560
1.40%
106
7,535
Hardin
74.96%
6,181
23.25%
1,971
1.79%
148
8,300
Hawkins
74.74%
13,058
24.17%
4,222
1.09%
191
17,471
Haywood
40.16%
2,364
58.60%
3,449
1.24%
73
5,886
Henderson
75.30%
6,514
23.40%
2,024
1.30%
113
8,651
Henry
66.28%
7,190
32.24%
3,497
1.48%
161
10,848
Hickman
65.35%
4,563
32.74%
2,286
1.91%
133
6,982
Houston
58.85%
1,613
39.40%
1,078
1.65%
45
2,736
Humphreys
60.23%
3,549
38.42%
2,264
1.35%
79
5,892
Jackson
64.08%
2,514
34.69%
1,361
1.23%
48
3,923
Jefferson
70.96%
11,435
26.98%
4,347
2.06%
332
16,114
Johnson
76.64%
4,520
22.06%
1,301
1.30%
77
5,898
Knox
50.80%
84,407
47.71%
79,283
1.49%
2,472
166,162
Lake
64.09%
930
33.77%
490
2.14%
31
1,451
Lauderdale
56.14%
3,745
42.12%
2,810
1.74%
116
6,671
Lawrence
72.22%
9,365
26.52
3,439
1.26%
164
12,968
Lewis
69.96%
2,836
29.03%
1,177
1.01%
41
4,054
Lincoln
75.40%
7,949
23.12%
2,437
1.48%
156
10,542
Loudon
68.66%
14,834
29.49%
6,371
1.85%
400
21,605
Macon
75.11%
4,768
23.36%
1,483
1.53%
97
6,348
Madison
52.05%
17,127
46.54%
15,316
1.41%
464
32,907
Marion
63.65%
5,839
34.51%
3,166
1.84%
168
9,173
Marshall
65.16%
6,543
33.66%
3,380
1.18%
118
10,041
Maury
60.10%
19,569
38.58%
12,560
1.32%
430
32,559
McMinn
72.28%
11,434
26.06%
4,122
1.66%
263
15,819
McNairy
73.36%
6,007
24.87%
2,036
1.77%
145
8,188
Meigs
70.99%
2,694
27.40%
1,040
1.61%
61
3,795
Monroe
71.05%
10,274
26.54%
3,838
2.41%
348
14,460
Montgomery
49.98%
25,932
47.81%
24,807
2.21%
1,148
51,887
Moore
74.12%
1,856
24.40%
611
1.48%
37
2,504
Morgan
72.39%
4,083
25.46%
1,436
2.15%
121
5,640
Obion
74.46%
7,118
24.33%
2,326
1.20%
115
9,559
Overton
64.49%
4,640
34.08%
2,452
1.43%
103
7,195
Perry
67.60%
1,644
29.77%
724
2.63%
64
2,432
Pickett
70.44%
1,599
28.46%
646
1.10%
25
2,270
Polk
70.92%
4,127
27.24%
1,585
1.84%
107
5,819
Putnam
62.59%
15,230
35.96%
8,750
1.45%
353
24,333
Rhea
72.95%
6,866
25.19%
2,371
1.86%
175
9,412
Roane
65.81%
12,727
32.28%
6,242
1.91%
371
19,340
Robertson
64.30%
15,501
34.47%
8,311
1.23%
297
24,109
Rutherford
52.72%
52,254
46.10%
45,692
1.18%
1,179
99,125
Scott
76.93%
4,232
21.38%
1,176
1.69%
93
5,501
Sequatchie
71.04%
3,564
27.25%
1,367
1.71%
86
5,017
Sevier
71.60%
21,541
25.82%
7,769
2.58%
774
30,084
Shelby
33.14%
96,493
65.56%
190,885
1.30%
3,767
291,145
Smith
66.25%
4,317
32.40%
2,111
1.35%
88
6,516
Stewart
65.36%
2,938
33.19%
1,492
1.45%
65
4,495
Sullivan
71.12%
38,753
27.86%
15,183
1.02%
557
54,493
Sumner
62.68%
41,099
36.24%
23,762
1.08%
704
65,565
Tipton
69.05%
13,390
29.01%
5,625
1.94%
378
19,393
Trousdale
60.35%
1,586
38.13%
1,002
1.52%
40
2,628
Unicoi
74.19%
4,659
24.75%
1,554
1.06%
67
6,280
Union
71.52%
3,739
26.43%
1,382
2.05%
107
5,228
Van Buren
65.75%
1,451
32.22%
711
2.03%
45
2,207
Warren
61.46%
7,018
36.78%
4,200
1.76%
201
11,419
Washington
63.08%
28,514
35.94%
16,246
0.98%
441
45,201
Wayne
79.96%
3,787
19.13%
906
0.91%
43
4,736
Weakley
67.71%
6,704
30.77%
3,047
1.52%
150
9,901
White
70.98%
5,979
27.22%
2,293
1.80%
151
8,423
Williamson
58.88%
62,039
40.44%
42,611
0.68%
719
105,369
Wilson
61.84%
32,810
36.66%
19,447
1.50%
797
53,054
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic
See also
Notes
^ Swift's October endorsement is reported to have helped increase the youth demographic's early voting in Tennessee by 664%
[124]
References
^
"Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2018" . Tennessee Secretary of State . November 6, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2023 .
^
"Corker says Democrat is ahead in race to succeed him" . POLITICO .
Archived from the original on April 18, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2018 .
^
a
b
c Scherer, Michael; Sullivan, Sean; Dawsey, Josh (April 19, 2018).
"Razor-thin Senate majority, bloody primary fights hamstring GOP" . The Washington Post .
ISSN
0190-8286 .
Archived from the original on April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018 .
^
"Taylor Swift's Instagram Post Has Caused A Massive Spike In Voter Registration" . BuzzFeed News .
Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018 .
^
"Shake it off: Taylor Swift's political endorsement draws praise, backlash" . The Tennessean .
Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2018 .
^ Chen, Kelly (October 8, 2018).
"Mike Huckabee Dismisses Taylor Swift's Political Endorsement Because '13-Year-Old Girls' Can't Vote" .
Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018 – via Huff Post.
^ Drucker, David M. (October 9, 2018).
"Kavanaugh catapults Marsha Blackburn into lead in key Tennessee Senate race" .
The Washington Examiner . Retrieved March 2, 2019 .
^ Arkin, James; Everett, Burgess (October 11, 2018).
"Volunteers bolt Bredesen over Kavanaugh support" .
Politico . Retrieved March 2, 2019 .
^ Robillard, Kevin (October 5, 2017).
"Blackburn enters Tennessee Senate race, as Haslam passes" .
Politico . Retrieved October 5, 2017 .
^
a
b
c Ebert, Joel (April 6, 2018).
"See who's running for statewide, federal and legislative offices in Tennessee in 2018" . The Tennessean. Retrieved May 16, 2018 .
^ Collins, Michael (February 27, 2018).
"With Bob Corker out of the running, Tennessee Senate race now shifts focus to general election" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved March 14, 2018 .
^ Poe, Ryan (November 1, 2017).
"Former Memphis Dr. Rolando Toyos enters race for Corker's Senate seat" .
The Commercial Appeal . Retrieved November 2, 2017 .
^
"Larry Crim Announces U.S. Senate 2018 Race For Seat Held By Corker" . The Chattanoogan . November 10, 2016.
^ McReynolds, Lindsay (March 26, 2017).
"U.S. Senate candidate to rally for Trump today" .
Herald-Citizen . Retrieved March 26, 2017 .
^ Ebert, Joel; Boucher, Dave (September 14, 2017).
"Conservative activist Andy Ogles launches U.S. Senate bid for seat held by Bob Corker" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved September 14, 2017 .
^ Garrison, Joey (November 15, 2017).
"Republican Andy Ogles drops out of US Senate race in Tennessee" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved November 15, 2017 .
^
"Fincher halts U.S. Senate bid, encourages Bob Corker to seek re-election" . The Tennessean . Retrieved February 16, 2018 .
^
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l Ebert, Joel; Garrison, Joey (September 26, 2017).
"Who will jump in race to replace U.S. Sen. Bob Corker? Intrigue starts with Haslam, Blackburn" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved September 26, 2017 .
^ Whetstone, Tyler (May 8, 2017).
"Tim Burchett will run for office, which one is anyone's guess" .
Knoxville News Sentinel . Retrieved June 3, 2017 .
^ Whetstone, Tyler (August 2, 2017).
"Tim Burchett to run for Congress" .
Knoxville News Sentinel . Retrieved August 4, 2017 .
^ Garrison, Joey (August 23, 2017).
"Joe Carr considers Republican primary challenge against Sen. Bob Corker" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved August 23, 2017 .
^
a
b Sher, Andy (September 14, 2017).
"As Corker weighs third Senate term, Green and Carr seriously consider challenges" .
Chattanooga Times Free Press . Retrieved September 14, 2017 .
^
a
b Sher, Andy (October 6, 2017).
"With Blackburn in Senate race, some Tennessee Republicans staying away" .
Chattanooga Times Free Press . Retrieved October 7, 2017 .
^ Ebert, Joel; Buie, Jordan (October 5, 2017).
"State Sen. Mark Green to run for congressional seat U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn is vacating" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved October 5, 2017 .
^ Ebert, Joel; Boucher, Dave (October 5, 2017).
"Gov. Bill Haslam won't run for retiring U.S. Sen. Bob Corker's seat" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved October 5, 2017 .
^ Perticone, Joe (September 26, 2017).
"Tennessee congressman says Peyton Manning might be considering a run for Senate" .
Business Insider . Retrieved September 26, 2017 .
^ Schelzig, Erik (September 27, 2017).
"Peyton Manning rules out run for Corker's Senate seat" .
ABC News . Retrieved September 27, 2017 .
^ Collins, Michael (September 26, 2017).
"Sen. Bob Corker will not seek re-election next year" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved September 26, 2017 .
^
"Stephen Fincher halts U.S. Senate bid, encourages Corker to seek re-election" . The Tennessean . Retrieved March 8, 2018 .
^
"Corker decides against reelection bid, sticks with retirement" . POLITICO . Retrieved March 8, 2018 .
^
"August 2, 2018 Republican Primary United States Senate" (PDF) . Tennessee Secretary of State . Retrieved September 25, 2018 .
^
"Former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen Running for Senate in Tennessee" .
Roll Call . December 7, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2017 .
^
"Democrat James Mackler drops out of Tennessee US Senate race" . Tennessean .
^ Miller, Amy Beth (September 3, 2017).
"Sevierville's Bill Bailey aiming for Corker's U.S. Senate seat" . The Daily Times . Retrieved September 4, 2017 .
^ Sher, Andy (December 7, 2017).
"Berke tweets support for Bredesen in Senate race" . Times Free Press . Retrieved December 7, 2017 .
^ Garrison, Joey (September 27, 2015).
"Is Karl Dean's next move a run for governor?" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved November 22, 2016 .
^ Garrison, Joey (February 26, 2017).
"Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean to run for governor of Tennessee" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved February 26, 2017 .
^ Whetstone, Tyler (September 27, 2017).
"Karl Dean to show resilience in governor's race" .
Knoxville News Sentinel . Retrieved September 27, 2017 .
^
a
b
c Wade Gervin, Cari (September 27, 2017).
"Who might replace Corker?" .
Nashville Post . Retrieved September 28, 2017 .
^ Garrison, Joey (October 4, 2017).
"Democrat Bill Freeman rules out U.S. Senate run; pushes Phil Bredesen as candidate instead" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved October 4, 2017 .
^ Garrison, Joey (September 27, 2017).
"Democratic state Sen. Jeff Yarbro considers run for U.S. Senate to replace Corker" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved September 27, 2017 .
^ Garrison, Joey (October 9, 2017).
"Tennessee Democrats recalculate U.S. Senate race with Corker out" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved October 9, 2017 .
^ Wade Gervin, Cari (September 28, 2017).
"More considering runs for Corker's seat" .
Nashville Post . Retrieved September 28, 2017 .
^
"Tim McGraw still considering possible future in politics" . Fox News . November 8, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2017 .
^
"August 2, 2018 Democratic Primary United States Senate" (PDF) . Tennessee Secretary of State . Retrieved October 8, 2018 .
^
"2018 Senate Race Ratings for October 26, 2018" . The Cook Political Report . Retrieved March 13, 2021 .
^
"2018 Senate Ratings" . The Rothenberg Political Report . Retrieved March 13, 2021 .
^
"Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 Senate" . www.centerforpolitics.org . Retrieved July 27, 2018 .
^
"2018 Election Calendar and Results" . The New York Times . January 23, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018 .
^
"2018 Senate Power Rankings" .
Fox News . Retrieved July 10, 2018 .
^
"Key Races: Senate" . Retrieved July 27, 2018 .
^
"Tennessee Senate - Blackburn vs. Bredesen" . RealClearPolitics . Retrieved August 28, 2018 .
^
"Daily Kos Elections 2018 race ratings" . Daily Kos . Retrieved August 18, 2018 .
^
"Who wins 2018? Predictions for Every House & Senate Election" . POLITICO . Retrieved September 8, 2018 .
^
"Tennessee" . September 11, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018 .
^
".@MarshaBlackburn is a wonderful woman who has always been there when we have needed her. Great on the Military, Border Security and Crime. Loves and works hard for the people of Tennessee. She has my full endorsement and I will be there to campaign with her!" .
Twitter .
^ Mike Pence.
"PROUD to support our friend @VoteMarsha for US Senate representing Tennessee. Marsha Blackburn is a rock-ribbed conservative who has been a champion of President Trump's pro-jobs, pro-military, AMERICA FIRST agenda & will be critical ally in the Senate. She has our full support!" . Twitter .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
".@CondoleezzaRice is a leader for our country and our party, and I am so honored to earn her endorsement. In the Senate, I will continue to fight for our shared principles" . Twitter .
^ Lamar Alexander.
"I have supported Marsha Blackburn as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, and I support her again as a candidate for the United States Senate. She has served Tennesseans well. I look forward to working with her to make the Senate a more effective institution" . Twitter .
^ John Boozman.
"We need every #ProLife vote we can get in the Senate and @VoteMarsha has been a champion for the dignity and worth of the unborn. Appreciate her bold stand for life and I know she'll keep up the fight in the Senate. #VoteLife #VoteMarsha" . Twitter .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
"Thrilled to have Senator @TomCottonAR in Tennessee today to support my campaign! #TeamMarsha" . Twitter .
^ Mark Zaleski and Michael Schwab.
"Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst campaigns with Marsha Blackburn in Nashville" .
The Tennessean .
^ Deb Fischer.
".@VoteMarsha is a strong voice for life. Her voice should not be silenced. We need more strong pro-life women like Marsha in the senate. #TNSen" . Twitter .
^
"Graham to boost Blackburn Senate bid Sunday in Tennessee" . NewsChannel5.com . October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018 .
^ David Perdue.
"President @realDonaldTrump is exactly right. @VoteMarsha will be a conservative champion in the U.S. Senate" . Twitter .
^ Chris Bundgaard.
"Former Republican presidential candidate Sen Marco Rubio campaigns for U-S Senate candidate Rep Marsha Blackburn at Latinos For TN event @WKRN" . Twitter .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
"Excited to have Senator @ThomTillis and Senator @TomCottonAR in Tennessee to support my campaign. I look forward to working alongside them in the U.S. Senate to continue on the great progress we've made in our nation! #TeamMarsha" . Twitter .
^ Ebert, Joel (March 28, 2018).
"Marsha Blackburn picks up Diane Black's support in U.S. Senate bid" .
The Tennessean .
^ David Kustoff.
"Starting our day at the Madison County GOP HQ Grand Opening! Im on the campaign trail today with my friend @VoteMarsha. West Tennessee needs Marsha as our next Senator!" . Twitter .
^ Conradis, Brandon (June 10, 2018).
"Scalise throws support behind Black, Blackburn ahead of Tennessee primary" . The Hill .
^ Sher, Andy (September 24, 2018).
"Former GOP rival Fincher endorses Blackburn in Senate contest" .
Chattanooga Times Free Press .
^
a
b
"Victor Ashe: Governor Bill Haslam, other big names boost Marsha Blackburn in Knox" .
Knoxville News Sentinel . May 14, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2018 .
^ Ebert, Joel (September 14, 2018).
"Former Gov. Winfield Dunn endorses Marsha Blackburn in US Senate race" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved September 14, 2018 .
^ Capps, Andrew (April 6, 2018).
"Former Governor Sundquist endorses Blackburn in Senate race" .
Knoxville News Sentinel . Retrieved April 9, 2018 .
^ Ron Ramsey.
"Peaceful protesters deserve our respect. Marauding mobs do not. These agitators make no point. They promote no cause. Their only mission is disruption. They respect nothing & no one, including the victims of Pittsburgh. We will not be intimidated. We will vote. #StandWithMarsha" . Twitter .
^
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q Ebert, Joel (February 21, 2018).
"In U.S. Senate bid, Blackburn nets endorsements from 18 GOP state Senators" .
The Tennessean . Retrieved February 21, 2018 .
^ Jim Henry (October 24, 2018).
"Marsha Blackburn will put our Tennessee values first" .
Knoxville News Sentinel .
^ Jack Johnson.
"It's time for conservatives to rally behind @MarshaBlackburn so we can win the U.S. Senate race in November!" . Twitter .
^ William Lamberth.
"Now is the time for every Republican to rally behind a true conservative @MarshaBlackburn With our help, she can and will win this race in the fall. #StandWithMarsha" . Twitter .
^ Randy McNally.
"I've been consistently impressed by @VoteMarsha's dedication to fiscal conservatism. This dedication is needed now more than ever at the federal level. It is time for all @TNGOP to rally around @VoteMarsha for Senate" . Twitter .
^ Jay Dean Reedy.
"When @FortCampbell was in danger of losing 20,000 personnel, @VoteMarsha took action to secure jobs and resources for our armed forces. We can always count on Marsha to be a friend to our military! Vote early for Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate" . Twitter .
^ Jason Zachary.
"Now is the time for Republicans from across TN to rally behind @VoteMarsha! She is the conservative leader we can count on to represent conservative principles in the @USSenate. #StandWithMarsha" . Twitter .
^ Diamond and Silk.
"We support @VoteMarsha for U.S. Senator representing Tennessee. She stands up for Americans, and she supports the @POTUS and his agenda. Vote Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senator #MAGA" . Twitter .
^ Flessner, Dave (October 15, 2018).
"NRA campaigns for Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee's U.S. Senate race" .
Chattanooga Times Free Press . Retrieved October 18, 2018 .
^ Blackburn, Marsha (October 24, 2018).
".@TheLeeGreenwood is a strong leader in Tennessee's recording industry and true American patriot. I'm grateful to have his support as I work to defend faith, family, and freedom in the U.S. Senate. #TennesseeValuespic.twitter.com/epdXv5ufXg" .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
"Honored to have Art Laffer's endorsement in my race for U.S. Senate. As a conservative economist and close Reagan advisor, I'm thrilled to have his advice and continued support for our campaign" . Twitter .
^ Tomi Lahren.
"I'm with @MarshaBlackburn 🇺🇸" . Twitter .
^ Bill Lee.
"Brett Kavanaugh is an excellent pick for SCOTUS. He is a strong defender of the Constitution and he deserves a swift confirmation in the Senate. This is also a reminder on the importance of keeping conservatives in the Senate like @VoteMarsha to ensure confirmation" . Twitter .
^ Ronna McDaniel.
"The choice is clear: Elect someone with Tennessee values, or elect someone with Chuck Schumer's. @VoteMarsha on November 6! #TNSen" .
Twitter .
^ Candace Owens.
"On the heels of @taylorswift13 feeling the need to, as all Hollywood elitists do, use black people and minorities as pawns to brainwash people into doing their bidding— I would like come out to Tennessee and campaign for @MarshaBlackburn. Marsha, let's do this! #MAGA" . Twitter .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
".@DaveRamsey has been a good friend of mine ever since we worked together to stop the massive job-killing state income tax in Tennessee. He is a brilliant economic mind, trusted counsel, and I'm honored to have his support as we work to win in November" . Twitter .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
".@MichaelWSmith and his wife Debbie are dear friends of mine and strong defenders of our Tennessee values. Michael has championed faith, family, and freedom through his music and I look forward to taking these same values to the U.S. Senate" . Twitter .
^ Blackburn, Marsha (October 22, 2018).
"Southern hospitality & warm welcomes are true #TennesseeValues. It's an honor to have @EricTrump in West Tennessee today to support our campaign, & I look forward to working alongside #TeamTrump in the U.S. Senate to continue making America great again! #MAGA #TeamMarshapic.twitter.com/bDQEhzQEuO" .
^ Blackburn, Marsha (October 22, 2018).
"Phil Bredesen will go along to get along with Washington liberals every time. @AllWaltrip wants his next Senator to represent conservative values, & I'm the only one Tennesseans can count on to do that.pic.twitter.com/V6jFkeYjGK" .
^ James Woods [@RealJamesWoods] (October 8, 2018).
"Just for the record, everybody, @MarshaBlackburn was eleven years old when the Equal Pay Act was signed by President Kennedy. #FactsAreFriendly" (
Tweet ). Retrieved October 8, 2018 – via
Twitter .
^ Woolery, Chuck (October 10, 2017).
"I'm all for Marsha Blackburn to step into Corkers shoes" .
^ Alex Isenstadt (October 10, 2017).
"Citizens United endorses Blackburn in Tennessee senate race" . Politico. Retrieved October 10, 2017 .
^ Stacy French.
"Club for Growth PAC Endorses Congressman Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate" . Club for Growth PAC. Retrieved October 13, 2017 .
^
"Maggie's List Announces 2018 National Endorsements Supporting 49 Women Candidates Running for US Congress and Statewide Executive Office" . Maggie's List . May 2, 2018.
^
"Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate in Tennessee" .
Senate Conservatives Fund . December 1, 2017.
Archived from the original on February 17, 2018.
^
"Nat'l Pro-life Group Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Senate" .
Susan B. Anthony List . February 13, 2018. Archived from
the original on February 14, 2018.
^ Students For Trump.
"We must elect @MarshaBlackburn to Senate in Tennessee. She is a terrific Congresswoman and she has our full support and endorsement!" . Twitter .
^ Marsha Blackburn.
"The @USChamber is a strong advocate for American businesses, and I am so honored by their endorsement" . Twitter .
^
"NRA Endorses Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate" . NRA-PVF . September 19, 2018.
Archived from the original on September 20, 2018.
^
"ACU Endorses Marsha Blackburn" . American Conservative Union . Archived from
the original on September 20, 2018.
^ Elliott, Stephen (September 28, 2018).
"Home builders endorse Blackburn" .
Nashville Post .
^
"CCAGW PAC Endorses Rep. Blackburn for U.S. Senate, Rep. Kustoff for House" . CCAGW PAC . September 25, 2018.
^
"National Right to Life endorses Marsha Blackburn for Tennessee Senate, opposes Phil Bredesen" . NRL News Today . July 19, 2018.
^
"Tennessee's Fraternal Order of Police endorses Blackburn in Senate race" . Franklin Home Page . October 9, 2018.
^
"The Tennessee Police Benevolent Association Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Senator" . Southern States PBA . October 11, 2018.
^
"Small Business Endorses Congressman Blackburn for the U.S. Senate" . NFIB . October 18, 2018.
^ Cooper, Clint (July 12, 2018).
"Blackburn earns shot at Senate" . Retrieved July 31, 2018 .
^
"Joe Biden swoops in to give Democrat Phil Bredesen a money boost in tight Tennessee Senate race" .
CNBC . April 9, 2018.
^
"NV, AZ & TN-Sen: Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) Helps These Democrats Win A Senate Majority" . Daily Kos . March 30, 2018.
^
"Also, thank you to my friend, @SenDougJones, for speaking at the dinner & letting me add myself to your autograph collection. I look forward to working together in the U.S. Senate" . Twitter .
^
"TX & TN-Sen: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D. OR) Wants To Flip These Senate Seats From Red To Blue" . Daily Kos . August 8, 2018.
^
"TN-Sen: Sen. Ron Wyden (D. OR) Helps Former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) Flip The Senate" . Daily Kos . March 29, 2018.
^ Brian Schatz.
"I'm giving to @PhilBredesen please feel free to join me and send help too. Thank you" . Twitter .
^ Terri Sewell.
"Blue Wave! @PhilBredesen and @RepCooper making it happen in Nashville!" . Twitter .
^
a
b Ebert, Joel (August 9, 2018).
"Jason Isbell, Ben Folds to headline Phil Bredesen fundraiser" . The Tennessean .
^ WKRN Web Staff.
"Former candidate James Mackler endorses Phil Bredesen for U.S. Senate" . WKRN . Retrieved December 15, 2017 .
^ Siskind, Amy [@Amy_Siskind] (October 8, 2018).
"END Mitch McConnell's reign of terror. Donate/volunteer for these close senate races: Jacky Rosen, NV Phil Bredesen, TN Claire McCaskill, MO Bill Nelson, FL Joe Donnelly, IN Heidi Heitkamp, ND Beto O'Rourke, TX Kyrsten Sinema, AZ Tammy Baldwin, WI" (
Tweet ). Retrieved October 20, 2018 – via
Twitter .
^
"Taylor Swift breaks silence on politics, supports Democrats in Tennessee races" . The Hill . October 8, 2018.
^
"Younger voters turn out big in Tennessee's early voting" . The Tennessean .
^ Amy Schumer.
"News" . Twitter .
^ Martin O'Malley.
"It's great to be in Nashville with @PhilBredesen and @KarlFDean! Tennessee is fired up and feeling that blue wave!" . Twitter .
^
"AFGE Endorses Phil Bredesen for Senate" . PR Newswire . October 17, 2018.
^ Shaffer, Paul (April 19, 2018).
"President's Message - Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council" . Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council .
^
"Tennessee – Official UAW Endorsements" . uawendorsements.org . United Automobile Workers.
^
"Endorsed Candidates" . 314 Action . Archived from
the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018 .
^
"Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Phil Bredesen for U.S. Senate" . HSLF: Humane Society Legislative Fund . October 9, 2018.
^
"LCV Action Fund Endorses Phil Bredesen for Senate" . League of Conservation Voters . October 4, 2018.
^
"ENDORSEMENTS" .
Sierra Club .
^ Sohn, Pam (July 12, 2018).
"Bredesen a Problem Solver, Blackburn a Problem Maker" . Retrieved July 14, 2018 .
^
"Campaign finance data" . Retrieved July 27, 2018 .
^ Bolton, Alexander (November 6, 2018).
"Blackburn keeps Tennessee seat in GOP hands" . thehill.com . Retrieved November 7, 2018 .
^
"November 6, 2018 State General" (PDF) . Tennessee Secretary of State . Retrieved October 7, 2023 .
^
"Tennessee 2018 Senate Results by County" (PDF) . Tennessee Secretary of State . November 6, 2018. Retrieved April 15, 2023 .
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