GOP gloats that national Dems not targeting Corker

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Republican Party officials are gloating over an announcement by the head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee that the group's list of six targeted states in 2012 does not include U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

"National Democrats recognize Senator Corker's broad support in Tennessee, and I think it's wise of them to not even waste their money in a state that will overwhelmingly reject the overreaching policies of President Obama and his party," said state GOP Chairman Chris Devaney in a news release.

A former Corker state director, Devaney said Corker, a former Chattanooga mayor, "has served our state well and is a leading voice to curb spending in Washington."

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who is chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said the party is targeting GOP-held seats in Massachusetts, Nevada, Indiana, Maine, Arizona and Texas.

While national Democrats aren't targeting Corker, some tea party activists have said they would like to see a hardline conservative take on Corker in the GOP primary.

An independent poll taken earlier this year showed Corker was "strongly favored" for re-election unless former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen decides to run. Bredesen has indicated he doesn't intend to seek office again.

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