Randy Button, chair of the newly formed Tennessee Democratic Party, will speak to UT’s College Democrats about college students’ involvement in politics tonight at 7:30 in the University Center Hermitage Room.

“Mr. Button wants to show a new face for Tennessee democrats,” said Zac Wright, UT College Democrats president. “He is placing an emphasis on college students and young people and will be offering insight how students can get involved.”

Button will discuss an event on April 5 allowing college students to volunteer in Tennessee’s District 12 elections to fill the seat left by U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, R-District 4.

“(The elections) are just down the road in Roane County and are a good opportunity for our college students to promote their voice in Tennessee politics,” Wright said.

Button has served on the campaigns of former Tennessee Gov. Ned McWherter and the senate and presidential campaigns of former Vice President Al Gore.

“I hope (our members) take from the meeting the need to invest themselves into the Tennessee Democratic Party and allow their voice to be heard,” Wright said. “Keeping young people involved is the only way our legislators are going to listen to us, and I think Mr. Button knows that.”

“This is a huge statement for us to have the Tennessee Democratic chairman visit us first,” he said. “We actually heard him speak at our national convention, so we look forward to having him share his insight here.”