For the second year in a row three UTM students were elected to the Tennessee Federation of College Democrats Executive Committee. Matt Maxey was re-elected as Treasurer, John Lankford was elected as Vice President of Legislative Affairs and Kevin Teets was elected as Communication Director. Their term will begin February 2004 when they are sworn into office during the National Convention in Washington D.C.

The Tennessee Federation of College Democrats was founded in 1998, and previously held its state convention during the College Democrats National annual convention in Washington, D.C. This was the first year the College Democrats held there convention in Tennessee. Close to fifty college students from across Tennessee made the journey to Nashville on Saturday to join in this event.

"We are extremely excited about being able to hold our state convention in Tennessee. This is our home, and here in Nashville is where we hope to send Democratic state senators and Democratic state representatives next year," said Tennessee Federation of College Democrats President, Wil Hammond.

College Democrats from across the state were able to learn about all aspects of running a campaign from fundraising, research, communications, and field work. The convention closed with an address from Tennessee House Majority Leader Kim McMillan (D- Clarksville), the first woman to hold this position.

UT Martin student Braden Holton said, "TFCD has given me a strong insight on the ins and outs of political campaigns and I can see how the knowledge game would prove beneficial in my service on a future political campaign."

U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper, representing the fifth congressional district of Tennessee, kicked off the convention with opening remarks on current events including the nation's budget and the war in Iraq.

"The future of our lives are on the line and young people can help change the way things are going." Cooper said. "We went from a balanced budget three years ago to the largest deficit we've seen in history."

"I think it sends the message that college students are more interested in jobs after they graduate than a $95 tax credit and they know that the Democratic Party will fight to get back more three million jobs that we have lost in the past three years." said TFCD President Wil Hammond.

For information on the Tennessee Federation of College Democrats check out their website at www.tfcd.org.