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TN ELECTIONS

Bredesen calls tariffs 'troubling;' Blackburn says she's 'not a fan' but calls them 'part of a negotiation'

Joel Ebert
The Tennessean
Former Gov. Phil Bredesen and U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn

The two top-tier candidates for Tennessee’s U.S. Senate seat are joining the ranks of politicians expressing concern about President Donald Trump’s recently implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Last week, the president moved forward with implementing a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. The move was quickly met with criticism from the countries affected, which also said they planned on retaliating with their own tariffs on U.S.-made goods.

After the tariffs were implemented, Tennessee officials, including U.S. Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Gov. Bill Haslam, expressed opposition to the president’s decision.

Over the weekend, Corker said on Twitter he was working with “like-minded” Republicans to “push back on the president” after sharing an editorial in the Wall Street Journal on the tariffs.

Last week, the USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee asked U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and former Gov. Phil Bredesen to weigh in on the proposed tariffs.

Related:Sen. Bob Corker: Republicans working on plan to push back against Trump's tariffs

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While both candidates said they were concerned about the possible negative impacts the tariffs could have on Tennessee, Bredesen went further than his likely Republican opponent.

Both candidates, who are seeking the seat held by Corker, face nominal opposition in their respective primary elections.

In a statement, Bredesen called the increasing tension between the United States and its allies “troubling,” especially for Tennesseans who rely on the state’s agriculture and auto manufacturing economy.

Related:Bob Corker: Donald Trump abusing power, 'dangerous' to say auto imports may pose security threat

Related:Trump's tariffs will have 'ripple impact' on Tennessee auto sector

“Washington needs a time out,” Bredesen said, likening broad tariffs to taking a “big ax” to a problem that needs a "scalpel.”

“The blow may be aimed at a real issue but usually creates lots of other damage in the process,” he said. “This is a perfect example of what happens when Washington takes some talking points that were dreamt up in a backroom somewhere removed from reality and tries to turn them into policy."

More:Sen. Lamar Alexander talks Trump's health care plan, tariffs

More:Trump imposes steel, aluminum tariffs on U.S. allies and Europe plans to retaliate

The former Nashville mayor said the tariffs have the potential to become a real problem for Tennesseans, who could be among the first ones to feel the impact of the president’s decision.

On Monday afternoon, Bredesen said on Twitter that he respects Corker for "putting Tennessee ahead of Washington politics."

Blackburn, meanwhile, was less critical of the tariffs with a spokesman saying the congressman is concerned they could lead to a “bad deal for Tennesseans.”

Charles Flint, Blackburn’s chief of staff, said she would raise her concerns with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the U.S. trade office and members of Trump’s administration.

“Manufacturing and agriculture are central to Tennessee’s economy, and Congressman Blackburn is committed to ensuring continued growth and productivity that Tennesseans have experience due to the president’ tax cuts,” Flint said.

Flint’s comments came just days after Blackburn discussed the tariffs on an appearance on Fox Business with Charles Payne.

“We know that announcements are going to be a part of a negotiation and a process and to get some of these countries to the table,” she said.

Saying it was important to keep in mind the size of the United States’ economy compared to Canada, Mexico and the European Union, Blackburn said she has talked to people in Tennessee who are concerned.

“But I talked to someone earlier today and they said when it comes to the tariffs, they’ve kind of taken a wait and see (approach),” Blackburn said.

She pointed out that manufacturers are placing their orders “several months out” and “they have to figure this in.”

Blackburn wrapped up her brief comments on the subject saying she was “not a fan” of tariffs, high taxes or trade wars.

“But I certainly have respect for working through this process and trying to deal with this imbalance that we have when it comes to trade and our exports and imports,” she said.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.