Students at Hunter Elementary School received a special visit on Friday just in time for Constitution Day.
U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, M.D., stopped by the school while making a trip through the area and spoke to the students about the importance of the Constitution and the job of a congressman.
“America is the freest nation in the world thanks to the Constitution,” Roe told the students. “I love this country. I’ve had opportunities here I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.”
Roe also took the chance to share some of the region’s history with the students as it relates to national politics.
“Where you live is one of the most historic districts in this country,” Roe said. “The 1st Congressional District in Tennessee is the only district in the nation to have two presidents elected from it. — Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson who took over after President Lincoln was shot after the end of the Civil War.”
Roe also shared the accomplishments of two of Tennessee earlier residents who went on to serve in political office. Davy Crockett once served as the Representative from the 1st Congressional District, and East Tennessee native Sam Houston was the only person in history to serve as the governor of two different states — Tennessee and Texas.
While speaking with the students Roe also talked about the upcoming election in November when America will not only choose a president but will elect members to Congress as well.
“The Republicans control the House of Representatives right now,” Roe said. “Me, personally, I’m a Republican and I want it to stay that way.”
Roe opened the floor up for the students to ask him questions about his work, and the students didn’t disappoint with the variety of things they asked.
Some students asked if he job was hard, if it was boring and if he enjoyed his work.
Roe told the students he really enjoys being able to help people but his dislikes having to travel all the time and be away from his family. While the job of a congressman can be stressful, Roe said he believes his work as an obstetrician was more difficult.
On the question as to whether or not his job is fun, Roe had this to say “It is, and it will be a lot more fun if Mr. Trump gets elected.” The children broke out into applause when Roe told them he supports Donald Trump to win the presidency.
One student asked if Roe had ever met the president and after telling them he had another student asked Roe if he could run for president.
“I’m too boring to run for president,” Roe said with a laugh. “Anyone can run for president but maybe I make too much sense.”
Other questions included asking him if he rode around in a limousine, who invented homework, if people could get rich by serving in congress and if he had ever met Trump. Roe told them he had met Trump before and looked through his phone to show the students a photo he had taken of Trump.
After answering numerous questions from the students, Roe said he wanted to leave them with a final thought for them to take to heart.
“One thing I want you to remember, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” Roe said. “I know there are people in this room capable of great things.”