Politics
GOP Sen. Bob Corker Will Not Run Again In 2018
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Republican Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection in 2018 after weeks of speculation regarding his political future.
“After much thought, consideration and family discussion over the past year, Elizabeth and I have decided that I will leave the United States Senate when my term expires at the end of 2018,” the two-term lawmaker said in a statement.
“When I ran for the Senate in 2006, I told people that I couldn’t imagine serving for more than two terms. Understandably, as we have gained influence, that decision has become more difficult. But I have always been drawn to the citizen legislator model, and while I realize it is not for everyone, I believe with the kind of service I provide, it is the right one for me.”
Corker: pic.twitter.com/UGCXvnkc1m
— Shanica Johnson (@ShanicaJohnson) September 26, 2017
Corker, who chairs the influential Committee on Foreign Relations, has been weighing retirement for months but remained undecided about his future as recently Monday. He attributed his decision, in part, to a desire to concentrate on legislating in the remaining 15 months.
“I also believe the most important public service I have to offer our country could well occur over the next 15 months, and I want to be able to do that as thoughtfully and independently as I did the first 10 years and nine months of my Senate career,” the statement read.
Corker has established himself as a bipartisan dealmaker and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, a stance that may have left him vulnerable to a primary challenger from the right.
Conservative activist Andy Ogles has already announced his candidacy and a number of other Republicans including former state Rep. Joe Carr and state Sen. Mark Green are considering a run for his seat as well.
Corker concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent Tennessee.
“Serving the people of Tennessee in this capacity has been the greatest privilege of my life. And as I spent the month of August traveling across our great state, I was reminded that we live in a unique place full of people who care deeply about the direction of our country,” the statement concludes.
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