For the first time since entering the race for the U.S. Senate, former Gov. Phil Bredesen said Tuesday he would not vote for New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for majority leader if Democrats gain control of the upper chamber.

During Tuesday's first of two U.S. Senate debates, Bredesen responded to his opponent — Republican Marsha Blackburn — saying he would be beholden to Schumer.

“We need to get new leadership," Bredesen said, adding he would not be a political lackey to anyone. "I will tell you right now, that if I’m elected, and when I’m elected and go to Washington, I am not going to be voting for Chuck Schumer.”

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Despite the comment, Blackburn was not daunted, as she continued to align the former governor to Schumer throughout the hour-long debate at Cumberland University.

Speaking to reporters after the debate, Bredesen elaborated on his remarks, calling Congress dysfunctional.

"I think the leadership in both parties is part of the problem, and I was just trying to say to people I'm not going to support (Schumer) when I get up there," Bredesen said. "I think it's time to kind of sweep through and get some new people that have got a lot more commitment to trying to solve problems and working in a bipartisan way."

Bredesen's disavowal of Schumer, who reportedly personally courted the Tennessee Democrat before he entered the race, was his strongest to date.

In the past, Bredesen has shied away from talking about Democrats' prospects of gaining control of the Senate.

Some national Democrats are hoping a win in Tennessee could help tilt control of the Senate in their favor. Tennessee is among a handful of key battleground states in the November midterm elections.

Although Bredesen previously said he fully expects to be in the minority, he did not make a similar statement at any point during Tuesday's debate.

His vow to not vote for Schumer, however, would remain, even if Democrats were in the minority.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.