A new poll shows Knoxville Congressman Tim Burchett is the overwhelming preferred choice to fill Senator Marsha Blackburn’s Senate seat if she is elected Governor in November.
The poll was conducted by Knoxville-based Spry Strategies, and surveyed 900 likely voters between August 23-25. 
Asked who those surveyed would like to see selected to fill the vacancy, Burchett had support from 31.6%. Former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs had support from 10.2% of those polled. Asked who those surveyed would pick if they had their choice, 44.7% chose Burchett, 16.4% picked Jacobs, with Chattanooga Congressman Chuck Fleishmann being named by 13.2%.
Jacobs is signaling his interest by changing his social media logo this week.
Blackburn has indicated that if she does win in November it is her intent to get sworn in as Governor before resigning her Senate seat, despite the fact that holding both offices simultaneously would be a violation of both the federal and state constitutions.
Also troublesome is the fact that delaying her resignation until mid January would place her pick dead last in Seniority in the Senate since 6-8 newly elected Senators in November would take office early in January.
Some see a scenario where Burchett could assume the Senate seat, leaving his congressional seat vacant and opening the door for Jacobs to run and win the spot in a special election. Like Jacobs, Burchett was Knox County Mayor prior to his election to Congress.
Others seemingly in the hunt for the Senate appointment include Damon Hinenger, Stuart McWhorter and congressmen David Kustoff and Chuck Fleishmann. House Speaker Cam Sexton could also be a viable possibility to secure the appointment.
Blackburn was reelected to a six year term in 2024. Thus, whoever would get the appointment would serve immediately with a special election being held in 2028 for the remaining two years of the term. The seat would again be on the ballot for a full six year term in 2030.
Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.
