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Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Phil Bredesen debated Tuesday at Cumberland University.(Photo: Lacy Atkins / The Tennessean)Buy Photo
Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Phil Bredesen clashed in the first of two televised debates Tuesday night in Tennessee’s U.S. Senate race, sparring over opioid policy, the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, federal tax cuts and a range of other issues.
In the combative one-hour exchange that was tense from the outset, Blackburn, a conservative Williamson County congressman, went on the offensive often against Bredesen, painting him throughout as an ally of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Phill Bredesen U.S. Senate debate in Tennessee Michael Schwab/USA TODAY NEWTWORK - TENNESSEE
Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, framed himself as an independent who would work with Republicans and look beyond partisan bickering to solve issues.
Tuesday's event was sponsored by the USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee, NewsChannel 5 WTVF-TV, Nashville Public Television, the League of Women Voters of Tennessee and Cumberland University.
It marked a rare side-by-side moment in a closely contested race that is gaining national attention as Democrats look to regain control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans hold 51-49 majority, and Tennessee is among a handful of key battleground states in the Nov. 6 general election.