UT political scientist Richard Pacelle told WMOT Radio, a Middle Tennessee-based NPR affiliate, that the state’s democrats could take advantage of turmoil in the Republican Party and mount a serious challenge for the Senate seat being vacated by Bob Corker. Pacelle also says Corker’s decision creates an interesting challenge for the Republican Party, which has held both of the state’s Senate seats since 1995.
Pacelle believes Corker’s departure will mean a loss of influence for Tennessee. He notes that Corker serves on several key Senate committees including Foreign Relations and Banking.