By Todd Hatton
Murray, KY – Tennessee's senior U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander says he is ready to express himself as he prepares to relinquish the titles of "third-ranking Senate Republican" and "Republican conference chairman." The 71-year-old Alexander has served as a top lieutenant for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell since 2007 but announced in the fall that he would leave the role. Alexander says he'll be able to express his opinions and ideas more fully as a rank-and-file senator. He says there won't be pressure to publicly endorse the GOP stance on every issue and he plans to work with both parties on environmental issues, tax loopholes and debt reduction. Alexander is a former Tennessee governor who has served as U.S. secretary for education and twice run for president. He says he will continue to fight some Democratic proposals, such as a surtax on millionaires.