Ed Bryant, who battled Bob Corker for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, has written a letter of support for him.

It says:

Dear Friends,

During the months preceding August 3rd, I campaigned across the great state of Tennessee to become the Republican nominee for Senate in the November general election. The primary was a spirited one and I know many of you worked long and hard on my behalf. I can’t begin to tell you how much Cyndi and I appreciate those efforts and your friendship. But, it was not meant to be. Tennesseans selected Bob Corker as our candidate for the United States Senate and we fully accept and support that decision.

During the primary, Bob and I agreed that no matter who won the primary, we would not, could not, let Harold Ford, Jr. become our next Senator. The stakes are just too high and the consequences are too great. We both knew he would be well-funded and he and his backers would be willing to say or do anything to conceal his liberal voting record. I served with Harold Ford for six years in Congress. Trust me, I know his friends, I know how he votes, and I know he is not the right man to represent my family or yours. He’s trying to reinvent himself as a moderate Democrat, but don’t be fooled by his slick commercials. He does not represent the values of Tennesseans. We need a man of integrity who will clearly articulate a conservative message. That man is Bob Corker.

Since August, Bob and I have spent some time together. Out of the glare of the media we have had the chance to discuss the opportunities and challenges the next U.S. Senator from Tennessee will face. This will be the man representing Tennessee’s values in Washington as our nation deals with issues ranging from tax cuts, immigration reform, and health care to the defense of our nation and our way of life. This is the man who may well vote to confirm another Supreme Court Justice. I know Bob will support a justice who will defend the Constitution, a judge who understands his role in government, rather than a judge who will legislate from the bench. I know Harold Ford would align himself with Bill and Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and Chuck Schumer and vote to derail a strong conservative appointee.

With the Senate majority at risk, our choice in November is crystal clear. I will be casting my vote for Bob Corker knowing he will defend and move forward the conservative cause and represent Tennessee well. I urge you to do the same.

Sincerely,

Ed Bryant