After primary, Tennessee GOP projects unity at press event

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s Republican political leaders and candidates have held a carefully choreographed news conference to project unity as they look toward November after a rough primary for governor.

Addressing reporters Saturday before multiple GOP unity events, Gov. Bill Haslam, Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, Senate nominee Rep. Marsha Blackburn and gubernatorial nominee Bill Lee spoke about a unified party. The three Republicans Lee defeated stood behind the speakers and didn’t make comments. No questions were taken.

Lee thanked his three former opponents for attending after a difficult primary and called the officials beside him an inspiration. Lee faces Democratic former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean in November.

Blackburn said she’ll be campaigning with Lee. Blackburn faces Democratic former Gov. Phil Bredesen in a crucial race to succeed Corker, who is retiring.