'Big red alarm': MAGA senator scrambles to dismiss close race in GOP stronghold

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) took to Newsmax Tuesday to downplay the implications of recent polling that shows a congressional race in a GOP stronghold to be much closer than what past election data would suggest.

A special election is being held Tuesday in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, scheduled after the resignation of its previous representative Mark Green, a Republican who left in July after securing a job in the private sector.

President Donald Trump carried the district last year by 22 points, though recent polling suggests that the Democratic congressional candidate may have a shot at victory, whereas if the Republican wins, it may be by less than 10 points — a dramatic shift from just a year prior.

Blackburn was asked why she believed the race was so close, to which she dismissed the polling by arguing that voters “did not pay attention” to the election early on given that it was an “off-year special election.” But she predicted a decisive victory of the Republican in the race, the Trump-endorsed Matt Van Epps.

Newsmax host Marc Lotter pressed Blackburn, arguing that even if Epps does come out victorious, the polling still suggested the Republican Party could be in trouble in the upcoming midterm elections.

“I do worry the closeness of this race sends warning signs, a big red alarm prior to the mid-terms,” Lotter said. “I mean, the special and off-year elections, I get it – Virginia and New Jersey – but all of this together seems like Republicans have an enthusiasm problem right now.”

Blackburn attempted to downplay the ramifications of the polling again.

“I would not say there is an enthusiasm gap, I think that you just have these off-year elections that are not going to draw the attention that an in-cycle election will draw,” she said.

Blackburn also went on the attack against Epps’ Democratic opponent, Tennessee state Rep. Aftyn Behn, while acknowledging her role in shaping the race to be as close as it’s been.

“What you have seen is a self-described radical who has been vocal about defunding the police, believes that men can have babies... it's completely out of step with where Tennesseans are!” Blackburn said. “Hates country music, hates Christianity, hates Nashville, and has seemingly done a job in the community of registering Democrats and getting Democrats active and motivated in her race.”