The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 03:55 PM

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) Announces He Will Not Run For Re-Election

WASHINGTON (WVLT) -- U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) announced Tuesday he will not be running for re-election next year.

"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," he 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 continued by saying, "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."

Corker thanked his delegates, his staff, his wife and family in concluding his announcement Thursday.

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement in response to Corker's announcement:

"Even when he's been investigating smugglers' tunnels near the Gaza strip, talking to foreign leaders, or giving advice to President Trump, Bob has never let his feet leave the ground in Tennessee. He says what he thinks, does what he believes is best for Tennesseans, and has helped lead his colleagues on complicated issues involving the federal debt and national security. His absence will leave a big hole in the United States Senate, but I know he's carefully weighed his decisions, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he tackles next."

A statement from he Tennessee Democratic Party Chair, Mary Mancini says:

" It’s clear that Senator Corker didn’t have the courage to go through an election cycle defending his support for the disastrous Republican healthcare plans that would have raised premiums, instituted an age tax, and thrown hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans off of their insurance. Tennesseans deserve voices that fight for them, not billionaires or political parties.”

And Knoxville County Mayor Tim Burchett released a statement saying:

"Senator Corker is a longtime friend who has always been kind to me and my family, and I would like to thank him for his service. He has served our great state and this nation with integrity and honor," said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. "I know Senator Corker will enjoy having more time to spend with his wife and family, and I'm sure he will continue to serve Tennessee in some way. I look forward to seeing where the future takes him."