Bob Corker's steady work as senator merits strong support

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

In 2006, the American electorate took a sharp left turn, handing Democrats control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

That led to Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., becoming speaker of the House and Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., becoming Senate majority leader, and it set the stage for further Democrat congressional gains as well as the ill-advised election of President Barack Obama in 2008.

Wisely, Tennessee did not go with the flow in the 2006 elections. Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, a Republican, defeated then-U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. in the race for an open Senate seat, and Democrats were denied any additional House seats in this state.

Corker has charted a sensible path since he became a senator, being one of the key voices in Washington against the runaway spending that threatens our nation with economic calamity. Yet when possible, he has reached out to Democrats for support for his legislative goals, and he has maintained a constructive, courteous demeanor.

So it is not particularly surprising to learn that Corker raised $1 million in campaign contributions during the final three months of 2011 and now has campaign funds totaling $7.4 million -- even though he so far faces no significant Republican or Democrat opposition in his re-election bid.

That support is justified, and we hope Corker has an overwhelming victory in the August primary and November general election.