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'That's why I had this life.' Lamar Alexander's drive emanates from faith, family, service
Lamar Alexander retires with more influence on every corner and aspect of Tennessee than anyone you can name.
Tyler Whetstone, Knoxville News Sentinel
Published
3:12 pm UTC Jan. 4, 2021
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – On the way from Knoxville to Maryville, the Smoky Mountains peek from behind their foggy haze, an ageless witness along the familiar route.
This is the way home for Lamar Alexander. The now retired senator and former governor will spend the rest of his days where they began, in the mountains' foothills.
He’s leaving with more influence on every corner and aspect of the state than anyone you can name, a fact woefully understood. His presence is greater than Dolly’s, his accomplishments more impressive than Manning’s. The impact of his political career on this state equals or exceeds Presidents Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson, as well as longtime mentor and friend U.S. Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr., all of whom called Tennessee home.