NASHVILLE - U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., announced Thursday he is backing U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn in the GOP primary contest to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.
Alexander tweeted that "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."
Also running in the primary is Dr. Rolando Toyos of Memphis, and Darrell Lynn, a businessman from Leipers Fork, who recently announced a bid.
In a statement, Blackburn said "Lamar is a true public servant, and I am continually grateful for his support. I look forward to working with him in the U.S. Senate to pass the President's agenda. Together, we will effectively serve Tennesseans and fight for our shared Tennessee values."
Corker told reporters while visiting the Tennessee state Capitol on Thursday that he will endorse the GOP nominee.