Vice President Mike Pence was the keynote speaker for the Tennessee Republican Party's annual fundraiser, the Statesmen's Dinner, at Music City Center.
PHOTOS: Vice President Pence Visits Music City
"We're just thrilled that he's making the time in his schedule to come talk to us," Scott Golden, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, said.
The visit was Pence's first to Tennessee since he became vice president, and while the Statesmen's Dinner honors republicans who have served the state, the hope is this year's event will also cover what's going on in today's political landscape.
"I think broadly we will get a D.C. perspective of what the vice president and president are doing, the direction that they're hoping to go," Golden said, adding that he believes the Trump administration looks at Tennessee as a good example of what's going on nationwide, with people focused on topics like their financial security.
"Tennessee is doing great," Golden said. "We are at historical low unemployment. Ninety-four counties out of 95 are under 5 percent unemployment."
While there's a lot of good to discuss, Golden has hoped that issues facing Tennesseans are addressed as well.
"Tennessee is the epicenter of where the healthcare crisis is hitting," Golden explained.
Air Force Two landed at almost exactly 5:15 p.m. at Berry Field at Nashville International Airport. The Vice President took time to greet several members of the Tennessee National Guard and their family members.
The reception began at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and program starting at 6:30 p.m. Governor Haslam was the first to speak followed by Vice President Pence who gave the keynote speech.
The last vice president to attend the Statesmen's Dinner was Dick Cheney in 2002.
Bus routes will be affected and on detours. Customers near the airport and the southern portion of downtown should anticipate delays and service interruptions during Thursday evening's rush hour.
An immigrant youth rally has also been scheduled outside of Music City Center Thursday night.
The rally has been in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Dream Act of 2017.
Youth from all around the state have been expected to attend the rally, which was being organized by DACA recipients and staff from the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.
