Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday he is considering a U.S. Senate run, leaving the door open for the Knoxville Republican to take the post Bob Corker is vacating.

"It merits spending some time thinking about it and praying about it, which I’ll do over the next several days," Haslam told reporters after an event in Nashville on Thursday morning.

The governor said he's talked to Corker about the idea in recent days, adding that he fully expected the U.S. senator to run for re-election.

Haslam's comments about considering a run came after stressing how much he loved being governor and the importance of public service, adding, "I think it matters who we elect."

"Quite frankly I was hoping and expecting Bob to run," he said. "So I have not spent a whole lot of time thinking about it, and being in the United States Senate is not something that I’ve long dreamed about or thought about."

But Haslam quickly followed up his initial remarks by clarifying that he will spend some time seriously weighing a potential run.

"I think I owe it to the process to think about what’s the right thing next," he said, pointing out that although he is term limited, being in the U.S. Senate is quite different.

“It’s a personal and a life decision, if you will. Going to Washington is very different than being here."

Haslam did not give a time table as to when he will reach a decision, noting he won't draw the process out for a month.

The governor said U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has encouraged him to seriously think about running for the U.S. Senate.

"He sees how important the United States senator is and how being a governor can help," Haslam said.

Related:

►Sen. Bob Corker will not seek re-election next year

► Bob Corker discusses names of potential successors for U.S. Senate seat

If Haslam enters the race he would immediately become a leading contender for the seat Corker has held since 2006.

Corker, the former mayor of Chattanooga, said Tuesday he will not seek a third term.

Haslam entering the race could set up a GOP primary showdown with U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn. The 15-year congressional veteran is expected to announce whether she will run in the coming days.

Haslam, a billionaire thanks to his family's Pilot Flying J truck stop company, has the national stature, state popularity, political experience and financial means to make a competitive run for the seat.

More:

►Gov. Bill Haslam doesn't rule out Senate run in 2018

► Who will jump in race to replace U.S. Sen. Bob Corker?

While he has sparred with conservatives and Democrats in the state legislature, Haslam is heralded for creating the popular Tennessee Promise free college education program and for implementing an increase in the state gas tax, a move expected to fuel extensive improvements to state infrastructure.

Haslam alluded to entering the race earlier this year, although he hadn't discussed the issue much publicly in recent months.

In February, Haslam didn't rule out a potential run, telling reporters at the time he "honestly didn't know."

Haslam has historically earned more than 60 percent support in Vanderbilt University polls and has run two successful statewide campaigns. But Blackburn has eyed a Senate race for years and could garner the endorsement and financial support of President Donald Trump as one of his most fervent and public supporters in Congress.

Former Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee leader Andy Ogles also has announced as a Republican candidate for the post. Former U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher and many other Tennessee Republicans are considering entering the race.

James Mackler, a Nashville attorney and Army veteran, is the only declared candidate on the Democratic side.

The primary election is Aug. 2, 2018.

Jordan Buie contributed to this report.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29. Reach Dave Boucher at dboucher@tennessean.com or 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.