Danny Lowe, of Fayetteville, has announced his candidacy for the 62nd District seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Lowe will be a candidate in the Aug. 7 Republican primary.

Lowe has been a teacher and coach at Lincoln County High School, of which he is a graduate, for 10 years. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on a full athletic scholarship and earned academic honors as well.

He is a defensive front line coach and a strength and conditioning coach. Two of his former players are currently in the National Football League. As an educator, he teaches history, contemporary issues, economics and financial planning. He has been listed as the "most influential teacher" by numerous top 25 graduates of the school.

He is also an investor and property manager.

Lowe and his wife, Amy, a special education teacher, have one child.

"I am honored to be allowed to serve my community as a teacher/coach," said Lowe, "and I am excited about the opportunity to use my experience and compassion as a teacher, combined with my team-building unification skils as a coach, to better all of the citizens of District 62. I understand the issues in our area. Every day I listen to the trials and tribulations that my students and their families have to endure. I hear the stories of how their parents struggle day to day for rising food costs, gas, insurance and housing.

"While times may be tough, I still believe in the American dream. An individual who takes advantage of all the opportunities before him or her can still achieve his or her goals. It is the job of our government to preserve an atmosphere that can foster success.

"All of us in Tennessee need the same selfless compassion that teachers devote to students every day. Teachers don't serve for money, fame, etc. We serve for the love of our community and fellow human beings. We serve because we have a higher calling to share our talents to enrich our community. I now have a calling to help the community that has always been there for me. Wouldn't it be nice to have a legislator with a teacher's heart?

"I will represent the conservative, pragmatic, hard-working values of this area of Tennessee. I am focused on issues such as education, fair taxes, responsible state spending, and energy policy. It will be my job to make sure the common sense, goodhearted will of this region in Tennessee is represented in Nashville."

The district includes all of Bedford and parts of Lincoln and Rutherford counties.