Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) announced Tuesday that he won’t seek re-election in 2018. “When I ran for the Senate in 2006, I told people that I couldn’t imagine serving for more than two terms,” Corker explained. “Understandably, as we have gained influence, that decision has become more difficult. But I have always been drawn to the citizen legislator model, and while I realize it is not for everyone, I believe with the kind of service I provide, it is the right one for me. I also believe the most important public service I have to offer our country could well occur over the next 15 months, and I want to be able to do that as thoughtfully and independently as I did the first 10 years and nine months of my Senate career.”

Corker has been a reliable conservative over his two terms, and thus has represented the Volunteer State well. We wish him the best.

Perhaps Corker was motivated by the aggravating dysfunction and failure of the GOP Senate this year. Or perhaps he decided to leave rather than face a primary challenge like the one in Alabama. In any case, several names have been floating around as possible candidates — Andy Ogles, Diane Black and even Peyton Manning. Our theory is that Corker wanted to both keep his promise as quoted above and open the door for Dr. Mark Green to run for his seat.

Green was forced out of the running for secretary of the Army by the Rainbow Mafia earlier this year, but he’s an immensely qualified and accomplished man who is still interested in serving his country. Indeed, he just met with former White House strategist Steve Bannon Monday — the same Bannon who helped propel Roy Moore to victory in Alabama. Green and Black both would make great candidates for either senator or governor, so we’ll see what transpires.