NASHVILLE (AP) - An embattled nominee for the U.S. Senate is turning to a Republican state senator to try to underscore his Democratic credentials.

Mark Clayton, who was disavowed by the state Democratic Party after winning the primary because of his anti-gay stance, held a news conference in Nashville on Monday with Republican state Sen. Stacey Campfield.

Campfield, the sponsor of a bill seeking to bar teaching about gay issues, told reporters that he had previously tried, but failed, to recruit Clayton to run as a Republican. Campfield said he wasn't endorsing Clayton.

Clayton is vice president of Falls Church, Va.-based Public Advocate of the United States, deemed a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Clayton showed reporters a certificate of appreciation he received from the organization.