On a Thursday trip to East Tennessee, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker remained mum about any plans to change his decision about running for re-election.
"No change at present but I thank you for asking," he said, but added he really didn't want to talk about it at the present time.
When asked, he also said his relationship with President Trump was "healthy." He acknowledged he and the president went through a "tough patch in the fall" but said his job required him to work closely with the White House, and that he and his staff have regular interaction with the president and his staff.
Original story: February 21, 2018
Sen. Bob Corker may be reconsidering his decision not to seek re-election.
Multiple media sources report that GOP leaders are concerned about losing the seat, and Corker is "listening to those concerns."
NBC is reporting that Corker will make a decision before Friday.
The two front-runners to replace Corker are Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn or former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat.
Blackburn's campaign is confident in her ability to win, and the congresswoman has no plans to step aside if Corker re-enters the race. Campaign spokeswoman Andrea Bozek told CNBC that "anyone who thinks Marsha Blackburn can't win a general election is just a plain sexist pig."
Another challenger, former U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, dropped out of the race and is encouraging U.S. Sen Bob Corker to seek re-election.
Corker, who has been a frequent critic of President Trump, saw his approval ratings drop in Tennessee at the end of 2017, along with the president.