Last Wednesday, August 7, 2024, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn stopped by the Union County Courthouse for a “stop and chat”. She landed in Tazewell and spent about half an hour with elected officials and some local citizens. Saying “you can ask me anything” in response to Mayor Jerry Lawson's question on the Secret Service changing of the top official, she fielded other questions on the the bipartisan legislation Kids Online Safety Act, human trafficking particularly connected to the Mexican border across the same border, and the influx of fentanyl through the cartels and immigration. Mayor Jason Bailey opted to inform her about Helm's Ferry and the need for transportation across the Powell River of Norris Lake to Braden. Senator Blackburn said that she would look into the Braden issue and definitely would help if she could.

During her chat, Senator Blackburn, a Republican, left this maxim, “When Republicans and Democrats are of a like mind, things( in Washington) can move rather quickly!”

Senator Blackburn will face Gloria Johnson, a Knoxville Democrat, in the General Presidential Election on November 5. Early voting begins October 16 and ends October 31(Halloween) from 9:00 to noon at Paulette Community Center.