NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Democrat James Mackler says he’s dropping out of the U.S. Senate race in Tennessee to replace Sen. Bob Corker, a move that appears to clear the path to the Democratic nomination for former Gov. Phil Bredesen.
Mackler said in a news release he’s “stepping back” from the race, but will stay active with a political action committee named Believe in Service. The Nashville attorney and Iraq War veteran says the committee will support federal candidates who will protect and expand national service programs.
In a statement, Bredesen said he admires Mackler’s commitment to service to the nation and complimented his political action committee idea.
Corker, a Republican, is retiring from the Senate.
Major Republicans in the race to succeed him are U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and former U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher.
We’re gonna win this race.
A thousand things have to work perfectly for Dems to take the Senate. This is one of them.
Please let it be Blackburn.
Dems helping Dems pick the best Dem for the race. Let that be an example everywhere.
IF we work our tails off, get out the vote, and, for the good people of TN, vote. For the bad people of TN, that would be not vote.