A last minute political rally for Harold Ford, Jr., Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, brought UT students and faculty to the Claxton Addition lawn Tuesday afternoon.

Ford spoke briefly, expressing his frustration with the campaign tactics of his opponent, Republican Bob Corker. Both Ford and Corker have gained national media attention for the callous flavor of their campaign ads.

“They are going to say the sleaziest things about us in this campaign,” Ford said, “We won’t take it personally if you won’t take it personally.”

Ford also addressed the importance of education. He said that he believes we as a nation are in need of the best students, yet we make it harder for students to get into and afford college. They are going to say the sleaziest things about us in this campaign. -Harold Ford Jr.

According to Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn.), Ford’s campaign chairman, Ford is also taking a stand on First and Second Amendment rights. “Harold Ford is not going to take away your Bible or your gun," Davis said.

UT College Democrats prepared diligently for the rally, though they were given short notice of the event.

“We sent out a mass email yesterday to the 1200 members of College Democrats,” said Caitlin Elledge, president of UT College Democrats. Elledge said that although the group managed to hand out leaflets and make announcements in some classes, they had little time to get the word out.

“I think a lot of people are here because they saw a big crowd and wondered what was going on,” Elledge said.

Though not all UT students support Ford (there were several Corker signs at the rally), Ford is a fan of UT. He regards it as, “one of the finest universities in the country and certainly one of the finest football teams in the country.”

An MSNBC interview with Ford directly followed the rally.