NASHVILLE (AP) — In Tennessee's U.S. Senate race, Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn is backing President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee and Democratic ex-Gov. Phil Bredesen is holding judgment until after confirmation hearings.

Blackburn said Monday that Brett Kavanaugh will make a fine Supreme Court justice, calling him a strong constitutionalist with a record of upholding the rule of law.

Before Kavanaugh's nomination announcement, Bredesen said he'd vote for or against a nominee based on high qualifications and ethics, not partisan politics.

Bredesen said the nominee deserves a fair and timely confirmation hearing and he'll hold judgment until after hearings.

The two hope to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker, who called Kavanaugh a well-respected jurist. Republican Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander called Kavanaugh well-qualified.

Kavanaugh's Senate confirmation vote is expected before the November election.