“These numbers reflect the fact that Phil Bredesen is a known name in Tennessee,” said one GOP strategist. “Once Blackburn raises her name ID statewide, her ballot score will improve too.”…

Another strategist likened Blackburn’s situation to that of Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., back in 2016 when they trailed in name ID by double digits against well-known opponents in the early stages of their respective campaigns. Blackburn’s campaign is intent on painting Bredesen as out of step with Tennessee voters and too liberal.

“Phil Bredesen is trying to convince voters he’s a moderate Republican, but he will be first in line to support Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi’s liberal agenda. Tennesseans know Marsha Blackburn is the only candidate who will represent their conservative values in the U.S. Senate,” said Abbi Sigler, a Blackburn spokeswoman, in a statement. “Marsha will continue to work overtime, listening to Tennessee families and sharing her ideas on how we can get the Senate back to work and pass President Trump’s agenda.”