The Red and Black

Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: News

MARTIN

CHAMBLISS

Sen. Saxby Chambliss and challenger Jim Martin have moved on from the sidewalks of Broad Street. But before their careers revolved around political parties, their weekends revolved around fraternity parties.

In the early 1960s, both men contending for the Senate seat were enrolled at the University and were members of Sigma Chi fraternity.

"Everyone is really excited that two Sigma Chi brothers that were here at the same time are running," said Dixon Revell, the fraternity's president.

Both candidates made appearances at Sigma Chi tailgates this season, adding to what Revell called "increased intrigue" about the political process among members.

According to Revell, the 161 members of the fraternity are divided on whom they support in the race, and the chapter is declining to officially endorse either candidate.

"There are guys who lean both ways politically," Revell said about the chapter.

Chambliss' pledge class was two years ahead of Martin's, and although the two had different groups of friends, they often attended the same Sigma Chi events.

Charles Bodine, a Sigma Chi member and senior from Gainesville, said he is humbled that both candidates came from Sigma Chi.

"I feel this race is a credit to our chapter and the kind of guys we try to recruit as members - men of good character with ambitious goals in the world," he said. "Having two brothers in the state and national spotlight is a real thrill for the chapter."

Despite their political differences, both men said they are friends and can come together to cheer for the Bulldogs.

"Having two Sigma Chis in the senate race is a testament to the strength of our chapter especially after the undergraduate years," said Ben Hatch, a Sigma Chi member and sophomore from Marietta.

"The fraternity doesn't take either side, yet instead celebrates our brothers' opportunity to hold such high positions in society," Hatch said.

As for how the brothers plan on voting, their stances are much less publicized than the candidates they support.

"The only thing I'll say, without bringing personal opinions and politics into it, is that I will be voting for a Sigma Chi," Bodine said.

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