Senator Saxby Chambliss Will Not Seek Re-Election

Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ (R-Ga.) surprise decision not to seek a third term will ignite a major firestorm for the Republican nomination. Aside from former presidential candidate Herman Cain and ex-Secretary of State Karen Handel being mentioned as candidates, almost every member of the congressional delegation are at the very least testing the waters to run. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.-10) became the first official candidate in the open seat race after announcing his Senate candidacy on Wednesday. He should be able to attract strong grassroots and Tea Party support for his effort. Mr. Broun was first elected in a July 2007 special election to replace the late Rep. Charlie Norwood (R), defeating the favored establishment Republican primary candidate. Conversely, Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.-3), citing his enhanced position within the House leadership, says he will not enter the campaign to succeed Chambliss. It is possible, however, that a quartet of Republican Congressmen could be part of the eventual GOP field of Senate candidates. Expected to soon follow Mr. Broun's lead is Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.-6), virtually a certain Senate entry who will likely be the best funded candidate. Reports from both South Georgia and the Atlanta suburbs also suggest that Reps. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.-1) and Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.-11), respectively, will also eventually declare their candidacies. Gingrey says he is now polling the state to test his viability. It is also probable that one or more current or former statewide office holders will also launch a quest for the Senate, making the GOP primary a very crowded affair. No Democrat has yet to officially declare his or her candidacy, but Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is certainly a prospect, though he continually deflects reporters' questions about the subject. Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.-12) originally said he would not run statewide immediately after Sen. Chambliss announced his retirement, but his name continues to be mentioned among Democratic possibilities without regard to his previous statements. The Georgia primary is typically held in July, with an August run-off should no candidate receive a majority of the vote. A run-off, if necessary, features the top two finishers within each respective political party. The actual dates will be announced after the state's 2013 elections. If, however, the Georgia election officials follow the same calendar progression from 2012, the primary will be held July 29, followed by an August 19 run-off vote. For more information, please contact David Ashinoff at (202) 547-5013 or ashinoffd@agc.org.