Continuing in the trend of political figures visiting Martin, Lamar Alexander can now be added to that illustrious list.

Alexander, a current senator for Tennessee, arrives in Martin today at 2 p.m. in the downtown gazebo near the police department. The reason for his visit is relatively indistinct. However, sources have said that since this is an election year, a visit to Northwest Tennessee may be part of a campaign strategy to rally votes.

The prospective votes may be for fellow Republican candidate Bob Corker, who is also running for U.S. Senate. Reports show that Alexander and Corker have been linked together by more than simple party lines. According to an article in The Tennessean, Tom Ingram, Alexander’s Chief-of-Staff, has joined ranks with the Corker campaign as his campaign manager.

Even with the indistinctness of the event, many suggest that this voter rally is one of the most plausible explanations for Alexander’s quick trip to Martin. It is not unusual for a well-known political person to aid the campaign of another politician along party lines.

When asked as to what the extent of Alexander’s visit entails, Weakley County Republican Party Chairwoman Kathleen Soder added to the air of ambiguity involving Alexander’s visit. “We’ll just have to wait and see,” said Soder.

In any case, today will surely be an eventful one as our state senator makes an appearance in our little corner of the world. Many UTM students eagerly anticipate the event as an opportunity to catch politics in action.

“As a former governor, current senator, well qualified and wonderful candidate, it is exciting to have him [Alexander] down here and to get to hear him speak,” said Jacob Shorter, junior Education major and College Republican President.

Alexander, a seventh-generation Tennessean from Maryville, was a former educator and principal. He is linked to UT because of his service for a number of years as the System’s President. Alexander served as Governor of Tennessee, the U.S. Education Secretary and is now currently holding the position of U.S. Senator.