Bob Corker Decides to Retire After Reconsideration

Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) is sticking with his decision to retire this year, his chief of staff told Politico on Tuesday. “He’s always believed and served as though he were only going to be in the Senate for two terms,” said Tom Womack, Corker’s chief of staff. “And he was willing to listen to folks but he really believes the decision he made in September was the right one and is going to be leaving the Senate at the end of the year.” Last year, Corker was embroiled in a nasty feud with President Trump and announced he would not be running for a third term in the Senate. Womack said Tuesday there was a “path” to the GOP nomination, but Corker ultimately decided it was time to pass the torch. “What he would tell you is that serving in the Senate has been the privilege of his lifetime and when people approach you and ask you to reconsider you certainly do it,” he said.