Mike Huckabee stumps here today for Chuck Fleischmann

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Mike Huckabee is seen in this file photo.

IF YOU GOWhat: Rally for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann featuring former Arkansas Gov. Mike HuckabeeWhen: 5:45 p.m. todayWhere: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, Lovell Room, 1001 Airport RoadAdmission: Free

Fox News host and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will appear in Chattanooga today at a public rally for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.

Huckabee and the freshman congressman are expected to speak at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport today at 5:45 p.m. From there, the pair will travel to another locale in Fleischmann's 3rd District, Campbell County, for a 7:30 p.m. rally in Jacksboro.

Fleischmann's chief of staff and former campaign consultant, Chip Saltsman, managed Huckabee's 2008 presidential run, and Huckabee endorsed Fleischmann during the 2010 3rd District race.

The Huckabee events are open to the public, but Fleischmann's advisers said the congressman is likely to miss some of an afternoon candidate forum featuring most of his opponents.

Republicans Ron Bhalla and Weston Wamp and Democrats Mary Headrick and Bill Taylor are expected to speak at a noon forum hosted by the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors. Fleischmann will be late because of congressional business in Washington, staffers said.

Forum organizers said GOP challenger Scottie Mayfield will send campaign manager Bo Patten to appear on his behalf. The Mayfield campaign did not respond to questions about why the candidate is sending a surrogate.

Independent candidate Matthew Deniston also is in the 3rd District race.

The Realtors' forum is open to association members only. State Senate District 10 candidates also will have time to speak during the event.

Senate District 10 Democrats Quenston Coleman, AndraƩ McGary and David Testerman are expected to speak, along with Republicans Todd Gardenhire and Greg Vital.