Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., told The Hill on Tuesday she was considering throwing her name in the hat for the 2018 Senate race after Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he would not seek reelection.
Corker made his bombshell announcement hours earlier.
"Yes," Blackburn said when a reporter asked if she was taking a look at the race.
Blackburn, who had a prominent speaking slot at the 2016 Republican National Convention, has been seen as a leading contender for years, with many political insiders suggesting she might mount a challenge for Corker's seat. But the lawmaker in June said she would not challenge Corker and instead seek re-election in the House.
Blackburn has served in Congress since 2002 and has $3 million in her campaign coffers.
Blackburn "is well known in Tennessee," Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., told The Hill. "She's been a strong conservative voice. And she's a thoughtful person who's always been supportive of the president. I think she would be formidable."
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