WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Harold Ford Jr., the Democratic nominee in the race for retiring Senate Majority Leader Bill First's seat, brushed aside charges Tuesday he has shifted his stance on key social issues to appeal to more conservative voters.

Ford said he has always opposed gay marriage and flag desecration and noted he changed his stance on partial birth abortion after witnessing "something from a physician in my district." He also said his conservative social stances stem from his religious views.

"My relationship with my good Lord, Mr. Blitzer is very simple," Ford told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in response to a charge that several Democratic strategists are disappointed in his social positions. "He knows far more than I will ever know, and as long as I'm continuing to learn and continuing to be open-minded, I think I can continue to be not only a good public servant, but a good Christian. I make no apology for that to any Democrat, Republican or anyone for that matter."

Ford and former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, the Republican nominee, are battling for this Tennessee seat.

For CNN's coverage of key races, check out America Votes 2006