Tenn. rep possible pick for Trump administration post

While significant attention has been paid to the possibility of U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., being named to Donald Trump's administration, speculation has been growing that U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn could be in line for a Cabinet post as well.

After being named last week to Trump's transition team, which also includes ex-speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, some believe Blackburn could be offered a spot in the administration.

The Nashville-area Republican serves as vice chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, making a secretary of Commerce appointment logical. Blackburn also serves as chairman of the House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives.

"There's lot of rumors going around," state Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, said. "I have nothing firm on that. I'm really happy and excited that she's on the transition team."

Johnson said he had no knowledge as to whether Blackburn is being seriously considered for a Cabinet spot, but praised her qualifications, as did Corker.

Corker, who has downplayed speculation about the possibility of joining the Trump administration, declined to speculate on which positions.

“I have heard nothing,” she said.

Corker said he believes she's developed a good relationship with the Trump campaign.

“I do know that she’s served for a long time and has a lot of knowledge about any number of areas," Corker said. “My guess is, should she wish to serve in that type of capacity, there might be several options that could well become available for her.”

A spokesperson for Blackburn, who has delivered speeches at the last three Republican National Conventions, did not respond to a request for comment.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, The Tennessean. Follow Joel Ebert on Twitter: @joelebert29