LEBANON (AP) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen says he's "embarrassed by the circus" in the confirmation hearings for President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee — and he's pointing at both Democrats and Republicans.

The former governor says Republicans are "running this thing through in a way that I don't think was the founders' intent." He also says some Democrats involved in Brett Kavanaugh's hearings have acted as presidential candidates.

Bredesen says he hasn't decided how he would have voted on Kavanaugh, but feels he owes it to Tennesseans to do so.

Bredesen's opponent in the closely watched Senate race is Marsha Blackburn, and the GOP congresswoman has strongly backed Kavanaugh's nomination.

Polls show a tight race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker. The GOP holds a 51-49 Senate edge