All eyes on Bredesen as Democrats seek 'game-changer' in Tennessee US Senate race

Democrat Phil Bredesen’s sudden interest in running for U.S. Senate has emerged as a potential game-changer in Republican-dominated Tennessee, leading political analysts to see a new path for Senate Democrats in Washington to try to take control of the upper chamber.

It seemed improbable just weeks ago that the former Tennessee governor — who left office in 2011 and has stayed largely out of the spotlight since — would re-enter politics.

But now, some Democrats are privately growing optimistic that, after he initially ruled it out, he’s moving toward a run for the seat, held by retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker.

Tennessee Democrats, who haven’t won a U.S. Senate race since 1990 and haven’t competed closely since 2006, overwhelmingly see the 73-year-old Bredesen as their best — some say only — chance to beat either Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn or former Rep. Stephen Fincher.

Read more: http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/10/31/all-eyes-bredesen-democrats-seek-game-changer-tennessee-us-senate-race/804861001/