A new poll suggests that if U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn becomes Tennessee's next governor on Nov. 3, Republican voters want her successor to be Tennessee's District 2 U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett.
The recent poll conducted by Spry Strategiesfound that Burchett was the clear favorite among the 900 likely Republican general election voters surveyed across the state from Aug. 23-25.
According to the poll's findings, voters want a senator with "conservative conviction, candor and independence," and the survey found that Burchett is the candidate who best fits that profile.
Burchett, who endorsed Blackburn during the GOP primaries, said he's open to the possibility of taking Blackburn's seat if she becomes governor. "My priority is Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional
District, but if there was an opportunity to serve in the U.S. Senate, I’d be honored to make that move," the congressman told TriStar Daily.
While Burchett is the favorite, several other Tennessee state and federal officials are under consideration as well, including former CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, according to Tennessean reporting.
What percentage of voters want Tim Burchett to succeed Marsha Blackburn as Senator?
According to Spry Strategies' poll, 44.7% of respondents want Burchett to replace Blackburn in the Senate.
In a separate question asking whom voters want Blackburn to appoint in the event of a victory, 31.6% of respondents chose Burchett.
The Tennessee lawmakers and officials who fell behind Burchett in the poll are as follows:
- Cameron Sexton (8.6%)
- Damon Hiniger (6.7%)
- Glenn Jacobs (16.4%)
- Stuart McWhorter (10.4%)
- Chuck Fleischmann (13.2%)
What kind of candidate do Tennesseans want to see replace Marsha Blackburn in the Senate?
Spry Strategies' poll found that Tennesseans want Blackburn's appointee to be someone who is willing to challenge Washington and is transparent about policies and other matters.
Among those surveyed, 69.7% said they wanted an appointee who "is willing to challenge Washington insiders and even leaders in his own party when he thinks they are wrong."
Similarly, 78.8% of respondents favored a candidate who "speaks plainly, asks tough questions, and isn't afraid to make people in Washington uncomfortable."
Among the 900 Republican voters surveyed, the most important values were strong conservative ideals, honesty and integrity, putting Tennessee first, and a proven track record of getting things done.
If Marsha Blackburn becomes governor and taps Tim Burchett for the Senate, what happens next?
If Blackburn wins Tennessee's gubernatorial race, she will resign her Senate seat after being sworn in as governor, allowing her to appoint her temporary successor.
If Blackburn were to appoint Burchett, the East Tennessee congressman would serve the remainder of the current senator's term but would be up for reelection in the next statewide Senate election in 2028, according to Tennessean reporting.
If Burchett becomes a senator, his 2nd Congressional District seat would become vacant. Given that members of the U.S. House of Representatives cannot select their own successors, the vacancy would then trigger a special election to choose a new representative.
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Senator Burchett? New poll names favorites to replace Blackburn in Senate
