Blackburn Leads Corker in Tennessee Senate Race Poll

A new poll found that Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., has a 29-point lead over Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., in a head-to-head matchup in their state's Senate race.

The Committee to Defend the President, a Super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump, conducted a survey and concluded the following:

• 55 percent of Tennessee voters are leaning toward Blackburn, a confirmed candidate in the Senate Republican primary election. 
• 26 percent are leaning toward Corker, who announced his plans to retire last year. There have been rumors that Corker could cancel those plans and run for his seat again, which would pit him against Blackburn in the GOP primary.
• In a head-to-head, hypothetical general election matchup, Blackburn leads former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen among likely voters, 44 percent to 39 percent.
• In a head-to-head, hypothetical general election matchup, Bredesen leads Corker among likely voters, 44 percent to 35 percent.

The Committee to Defend the President promised to spend $1 million to back Blackburn in the primary if Corker decides to run for another term.

"Whether establishment darling Bob Corker decides to run or not, Marsha Blackburn is poised to become Tennessee's next Senator — and defend the Trump agenda in the Senate," committee spokeswoman Amanda Head said. "If Corker throws his 'Never Trump' hat into the ring, the Committee will spend $1 million in the primary to expose his betrayal of conservative values. We're coming for you, Bob."

Corker has tousled with Trump in the past, although it appears they have made amends.

• Rep. Blackburn: Time for GOP to Act Like Majority Party
• Corker Goes Uncorked on Blitzer After Grilling on Switched Vote