Scott DesJarlais, the Republican physician who is running against Democratic incumbent Lincoln Davis in the 4th Congressional District, picked up the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., his campaign announced Thursday.
"Dr. Scott DesJarlais has been practicing medicine in Tennessee for nearly two decades," Sen. Alexander said in a news release. "That type of hands-on experience would be welcome in Washington as Republicans continue fighting to repeal President Obama's health care law and replace it with common-sense measures to reduce health care costs."
The endorsement comes at a time when voters are starting to pay more attention to the Tennessee race that media outlets have labeled a "toss-up," according to the release.
DesJarlais said he welcomes the support of Tennessee's senior senator.
"Senator Alexander defines what it means to be a public servant," he said in the release. "He understands we need leaders who have practical, real-world experience to solve the problems facing our nation. I look forward to working alongside him in Congress to push for true reforms that empower patients and remove government control of health care."