Tennessee congressman says Peyton Manning might be considering a run for Senate

WASHINGTON – After news broke that Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker will retire at the end of his term, immediate speculation began about who might run to replace him.

One of the names floated was former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who played college ball at the University of Tennessee.

Shortly after Corker’s announcement, Republican Rep. Scott DesJarlais said he did not think Manning would run for Corker’s seat, but instead could be eyeing Sen. Lamar Alexander’s seat in 2020 if he chooses to retire as well.

“[Peyton Manning] is a great guy and a popular guy,” DesJarlais said, adding that Manning “may be looking more at” running if Alexander decides not to run again.

Among the other candidates DesJarlais said could be in the running next year for Corker’s seat could be Rep. Marsha Blackburn, whom he said “has been a strong conservative voice.”