Lamar Alexander endorses Marsha Blackburn's U.S. Senate bid

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is endorsing Marsha Blackburn’s bid for the U.S. Senate.

The former governor and longtime Republican senator made the announcement on social media Thursday, saying Blackburn, a Brentwood-based congressman, has served the state well.

“I look forward to working with her to make the Senate a more effective institution,” he said on Twitter, using his official campaign account.

Alexander’s announcement came hours after Middle Tennessee State University released a poll indicating that the Blackburn is down 10 percentage points to former Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat.

More: Phil Bredesen holds double-digit lead over Marsha Blackburn in US Senate race, new MTSU poll shows

More: Tennessee U.S. Senate race polls: Phil Bredesen, Marsha Blackburn vie to replace Bob Corker

The two are largely expected to square off in closely watched bid for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Bob Corker, who announced his plans to retire in September.

Speaking to reporters at the state Capitol on Thursday, Corker said he did not have any immediate plans to make an endorsement in the race.

“Just like in the governor’s race that’s underway right now, it’s always been my plan anyway to endorse after a primary is over,” he said.

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