NASHVILLE – Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander’s top aide as well as a long-time Alexander political adviser are pushing back against talk the senator won’t run for a fourth term in 2020 amid speculation that retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning might seek to succeed him.
Politico’s Thursday “Playback” section, which rounds up news and political items, raised the issue about Alexander retiring as well as speculation about the political future of Manning, a former University of Tennessee football star quarterback and two-time NFL Super Bowl champion.
Tennessee’s senior senator Lamar Alexander visited the Chattanooga Times Free Press for a conversation with the newspaper’s editorial board. Senator Alexander discussed such topics as solar power and overtime pay issues. 
FILE – In this March 7, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning speaks during his retirement announcement at the teams headquarters in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
“BUZZ: Several Republicans are wondering whether Peyton Manning will run for Sen. Lamar Alexander’s (R-Tenn.) seat when he retires. GOP insiders say Alexander won’t run for another term in 2020.”
Alexander’s office on Friday called it “unfounded rumor.”
“Like everybody else in Tennessee, Senator Alexander is a big fan of Peyton Manning,” said Alexander Chief of Staff David Cleary in a statement. “The senator has made no formal decision about 2020 but he’s fundraising and taking the steps one would take to prepare for re-election.”