U.S. Senator Chambliss announces retirement

January 28, 2013

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By Joel Williams

Atlanta, Georgia: Current Senator Saxby Chambliss announced that he would not seek re-election on January 25. Chambliss, who first won election in 2002, was expected to face primary opposition in the 2014 election. Chambliss cited issues with Congress as his reason for resigning, not the potential primary challenge. "This is about frustration, both at a lack of leadership from the White House and at the dearth of meaningful action from Congress," he said, "especially on issues that are the foundation of our nation's economic health."

The retirement announcement has created a frenzy in Georgia, with every major officeholder looking at a run for the seat, in addition to a number of self-funded businesspeople from the Atlanta area. The two most prominent names currently linked with a run for the seat are former Governor Sonny Perdue and former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel. “No matter what happens it's going to be a 10-person race," remarked Chris Crawford, a spokesman of Representative Jack Kingston.

See also

• United States Senate elections in Georgia, 2014
• Saxby Chambliss