Alexander ahead, but his wife still nervous
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Recent polls show Alexander leading Democratic hopeful Bob Clement; however, Alexander’s wife, Honey Alexander, who was in McMinnville on a campaign stop Thursday, urged supporters not to be complacent.
“I’m sure I’ll be a nervous wreck by election day,” Honey told the small group of supporters, noting she was a reluctant public figure. “We want to be sure people go to the polls and don’t get complacent because the only poll that counts is the one on election day.”
The political run is only the most recent for the Alexanders as Lamar served two terms as Tennessee governor, and more recently, made bids for U.S. President. In between, he served as U.S. Secretary of Education and as University of Tennessee President.
“It’s been a lot of fun campaigning. It’s really surprising how Tennessee has changed and how many people have moved in,” Honey said. “Many years before, people would leave Tennessee to get good jobs, now people are coming in from other places to get good jobs here.”
Honey said one interesting aspect about this year’s campaign is the shortness of it. Due to Thompson’s sudden announced retirement, the candidates did not have a chance to mount complete campaigns. However, Honey said the fact her husband has a lot of support left over from his gubernatorial races, as well as his bids for the presidency, made it easy to get the campaign going quickly.
“It’s a much smaller window now, but our base here was strong so that helped,” she said.
Honey noted the senate seat is key given the balance of power on Capitol Hill right now. She believes Tennesseans know her husband and respect his accomplishments and have confidence he will make a good senator.
“I think people know he was a good governor and know he’ll make a fine senator,” Honey said. “And one thing which will help is that he has a real healing voice and can help bridge the gaps in Washington. He can work across party lines.”
As was the case when he was governor, Honey said her husband will work hard for better education by giving local schools the freedom to improve.
“Domestic issues like better jobs and better schools will be at the top of his list,” Honey said. “Children are our future and we need to make sure they are getting the best education possible to prepare them. My husband intends to take his conservative philosophy to Washington to represent the people of Tennessee.”
Honey said their hectic campaign schedules will continue taking them across the state right up until polls close election night.