Story highlights He pushed back on the contention he is receiving a kickback by voting "yes" for the bill

'It's amazing how I was sort of the darling on the left three weeks ago and now the enemy of the left today'

Washington (CNN) Republican Sen. Bob Corker vigorously defended his vote for the tax overhaul Tuesday against allegations that he did so because of a provision that would benefit him financially and against criticisms that he had flip-flopped on his past pledge not to vote for any plan that raised the deficit.

Speaking on CNN's "The Situation Room," the Tennessee Republican said his initial opposition to the bill was motivated by the possibility of a bipartisan package.

"I was still in discussions with some Democrats that were interested," Corker said. "But at this point, you know, when it comes down to this vote, I know that that is not gonna happen," he told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "And do I think that our country is better off having this tax reform in place versus not? I do."

Corker slammed an International Business Times story that alleged Corker received a specific carve-out in the final bill that would greatly help the Tennessee Republican's own personal wealth in exchange for his flip to "yes" on the bill.

"I knew nothing about the provision," Corker said. "I've had no involvement. It actually came out of the House."

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