Two of the top Republicans in Tennessee are saying that former governor Phil Bredesen will be a top contender in the U.S. Senate race next year. Gov. Bill Haslam and U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander have both commented that Bredesen will be a formidable opponent. Thursday Bredesen announced he will be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Bob Corker. Gov. Haslam considered a Senate bid in September, but later said he would not be running. Bredesen, was the last Democrat to win a statewide election in Tennessee, winning all 95 counties to win re-election as Governor in 2006.