U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss: Frustration with Washington drove him out
U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, the leader of a bipartisan effort to address the federal deficit, this morning pointed to gridlock in Washington for his decision not to seek a third term in 2014.
A statement just released by his office includes this:
“I have no doubt that had I decided to be a candidate, I would have won re-election. In these difficult political times, I am fortunate to have actually broadened my support around the state and the nation due to the stances I have taken.
“Instead, this is about frustration, both at a lack of leadership from the White House and at the dearth of meaningful action from Congress, especially on issues that are the foundation of our nation’s economic health. The debt-ceiling debacle of 2011 and the recent fiscal-cliff vote showed Congress at its worst and, sadly, I don’t see the legislative gridlock and partisan posturing improving anytime soon. For our nation to be strong, for our country to prosper, we cannot continue to play politics with the American economy.”
In a conference call with supporters that he just completed, Chambliss didn’t detail the reasons for his departure, but reviewed a career that included authorship of four farm bills and 18 defense authorization bills, during two terms in the Senate and several years in the U.S. House.
“I’m going to have a life after this,” Chambliss said. “Sitting on a back porch drinking whisky with some of y’all is exciting to think about.”
Gov. Nathan Deal said that U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss called him this morning to inform him of his decision. “I told him to make sure he served out his full term because I didn’t want to appoint someone,” Deal told my AJC colleague Greg Bluestein. The governor assured Chambliss would do so.
Chambliss’ announcement will immediately set off an avalanche of Republican candidates who will seek to replace him.
At least two GOP House members from Georgia, Paul Broun of Athens and Tom Price of Roswell, have been contemplating primary challenges to Chambliss, who has been criticized for leading the bipartisan “Gang of Six” effort to broker a deal to address a $16 trillion federal deficit.
Chambliss and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., are scheduled to speak Monday on coming fiscal negotiations during a joint appearance at the University of Georgia.
Both Chambliss and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson had voted this month for the Senate-negotiated deal that avoided the “fiscal cliff” imposed by a 2011 fight over the federal debt ceiling. All Republican House members from Georgia voted against it.
A decision from Price is expected sooner rather than later. More members of Congress – including Phil Gingrey of Roswell and Tom Graves of Ranger – are certain to consider the race now that it lacks an incumbent. In the state Capitol, one name has already popped up — that of state Sen. Ross Tolleson, a Republican who hails from former U.S. senator Sam Nunn’s home town of Perry.
Talk radio host Herman Cain, a GOP candidate for president who began his political career in Georgia with a 2004 run for the U.S. Senate, quickly removed himself from consideration this morning. But don’t rule out former House speaker Newt Gingrich.
Chambliss’ withdrawal could also awaken Georgia Democrats from the torpor they’ve been in since losing the governor’s office in 2002. This statement comes from Guy Cecil, executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee:
“Georgia will now offer Democrats one of our best pick-up opportunities of the cycle. There are already several reports of the potential for a divisive primary that will push Republicans to the extreme right. Regardless, there’s no question that the demographics of the state have changed and Democrats are gaining strength. This will be a top priority.”
U.S. Rep. John Barrow of Augusta has said he wasn’t interested in challenging Chambliss. Whether or not that disinterest applies to an open seat may be another matter. State Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta, may be another name to add to the mix.
Chambliss had offered a hint that he was wavering earlier this month. From a quote in a column written by my AJC colleague Kyle Wingfield, who had asked him if the curdled atmosphere in Washington made him think twice about a third term:
“This is an eight-year decision for me. It’s two years [campaigning] plus six years” in office, he said. “And if I thought the next eight years were going to be filled with contentious debates and the wrong way to govern that we have just gone through in the last two months, it would have a significant impact on my decision. But yeah, right now my plans are to run.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
346 comments Add your comment
Where are tea party comments
January 25th, 2013
5:43 pm
Oh lawd the GOP should pick a candidate like Akins or Murdoch. No abortions for any any reason. Real rape let’s you self abort.
ylojkt
January 25th, 2013
5:48 pm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/02/drone-wars-secrecy-barack-obama
Apology for Morons
January 25th, 2013
6:00 pm
The far right morons are as dangerous to us as the leftist looney Obamacommies.
MASR
January 25th, 2013
6:04 pm
If Congressman Broun was a US Senator from Georgia I would finally know that I am being represented and he would do his best to insure the US Constitution was being upheld!
Capitol Castings | What’s in Your Wallet? | Peach State Trout
January 25th, 2013
6:13 pm
[...] big news on the Peach State’s political front is that U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, citing frustration with the process in Washington, will not seek reelection in 2014. Georgia Trout [...]
Republicans = The Stupid Party
January 25th, 2013
6:44 pm
It doesn’t matter who they nominate, he/she will be a national embarrassment, because the GOP is officially now The Stupid Party. That’s because its members spend too much time religiously consuming hours of Faux News, Rush Fat-Baugh, the Losing-Is-Drudgery-Report and other right-wing fact deniers where they’re spoon-fed bald-faced lies, bogus conspiracy theories and hilarious pre-election predictions like, Romney Will Win In A Landslide! Yeah, they really nailed that one, didn’t they! Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!
Hilarious
January 25th, 2013
7:12 pm
Much, much spittle to be found dripping from the chins of the delusional right-wingers.
Always entertaining.
RateMySenator.com | Another Senator Announces Retirement Blaming ‘Legislative Gridlock’
January 25th, 2013
7:16 pm
[...] announced a year ago that she would not seek re-election in 2012.The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that at least two Republican members of the House, Paul Broun and Tom Price, “have been [...]
John H.
January 25th, 2013
7:26 pm
Because the GOP controls Georgia state politics, I hope Gov. Sonny Perdue runs for the vacant Senate seat. He would do a better job representing all Georgians, not just the conservative Klan element that exist in this state’s politics.
John H.
January 25th, 2013
7:26 pm
Because the GOP controls Georgia state politics, I hope Gov. Sonny Perdue runs for the vacant Senate seat. He would do a better job representing all Georgians, not just the Klan element that exist in this state’s politics.
MysteryMoves
January 25th, 2013
7:33 pm
I recommend slapping lipstick on fat pig and sending it serve the republican base. The commonality is love for food, overeating and just being full of it.
alrebosn
January 25th, 2013
7:43 pm
Chambliss needs to go after his recent voting record. He is not a representative of Georgians. Good riddance!
Todd - Lawrenceville
January 25th, 2013
7:45 pm
He’s frustrated with the White House and ‘wrong way to govern’. Sax by was actually speaking of Georgia’s Republcan lead politicians, Gov. Deal included.
Why not just leave office now; Georgia will be better off.
Top Dawg
January 25th, 2013
7:58 pm
Dems could have a real shot at this one if they nominate someone like Barrow.
OldGrunt
January 25th, 2013
8:24 pm
For Pete’s sake — he was grubbing for campaign contributions four or five months back. He probably faced a stone wall! It was always about Saxby — not his constituents, and the chickens came home to roost! Another dip and he would have been the chairman of the RINOs — or at least, what is left of them!
dissatisfied with politics
January 25th, 2013
8:50 pm
Saxby Chambliss and Governor deal are both unethical clowns and both should lose their positions. Both are only for the good of the corrupt government and their good ole-boys. How sad we have people like them representing us.
Saxby Chambliss to Retire | Undivided US
January 25th, 2013
9:16 pm
[...] will reportedly retire at the end of 2014. Jim Galloway at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the details: U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss will announce this morning that he’s dropping plans to run for a third [...]
basma1
January 25th, 2013
10:11 pm
roy barnes–he’s tired of law, has millions and wants a job in DC—roy will win it all!!!
Gumby
January 25th, 2013
10:46 pm
I have not been a Saxby fan since the Max Cleland smear job however I congratulated him on taking a stand against that stupid tax pledge. I felt he had turned a corner and would put “we the people” ahead of partisanship. N ow I just hope Georgians can wise up enough to vote for the best candidate whether they have an R a D or a damn Z after their name for a change. Electing nationally known idiots like Price or Broun and yes Gingrey too would simply make us look stupid, and we would deserve that label if we do so.
And BTW I would love to sit on Saxby’s porch and share a glass with him.
Larry30
January 25th, 2013
10:48 pm
The reason Saxby is not running again? He can’t stand the humiliation of losing. Big Daddy would have challenged in the primary and would have lost in the middle of the summer not even making it to the general election. Good riddance to another reach across the aisle moderate. Next up issacson.
kasim!
January 25th, 2013
10:49 pm
Kasim reed is the man for the job! with all the atlanta money and obama support, kasim will win the election for senator! Ga needs more minority representation in dc—I’m tired of all these white people in the senate looking out for their rich friends.
Cricket
January 25th, 2013
10:55 pm
Bye! Blame on the rain, as usual blame it on Pred Obama watch and cabinet! You never accomplished anything while you was in office.
Shine
January 25th, 2013
11:05 pm
Hmmmm, who sucks less. Rep Price, a yankee transplant and co conspirator with Roy Barnes to change the state flag in 2001 I think I will pass on that kook. Rep Broun, a delusional fruitcake that thinks the eath is only 6000 years old. I believe in Jesus but dont think science is some wild conspiracy. I think i will pass on that kook. Sonny Perdookey Perdue, the man who lied to the faces of many folks in south Ga about getting a vote on the 1956 flag if elected and later lied about that lying. I know I will pass on that conman. Maybe a conservative leaning democrat who isnt a gun grabbing nut will run and take the seat.
Shine
January 25th, 2013
11:09 pm
Roy Barnes or no liberal loon from Atlanta has a chance in hell of winning a statewide race in Ga. A conservative democrat could though.
steve373
January 25th, 2013
11:09 pm
How about Allan West? We all know the GOP will go with batsh*t crazy on this pick and West is already pre-qualified.
TruthDoctor
January 26th, 2013
12:32 am
Whoever it is, if the liberals hate the person, then you know we have the right person. Newt Gingrich sounds like one great candidate. He already knows all the ins and outs of Washington. He can hit the ground running.
nomaj
January 26th, 2013
12:39 am
I don’t blame Saxby, but I fear that GA will become more marginalized as a result of the surrender to the loony birds. It’s painful to think that men, like that nasty kook, Paul Broun, or the one-note chicken hawk Phil Gingrey are the front runners for succession. These are crazy times, with the worst sort of characters leading the pack.
.
Chuckie D
January 26th, 2013
12:59 am
Just go away Foghorn Leghorn—
Yeah right, ““I have no doubt that had I decided to be a candidate, I would have won re-election. In these difficult political times, I am fortunate to have actually broadened my support around the state and the nation due to the stances I have taken.”
You would not have made it out of the primaries.
Collect your big pension and hook on as a lobbyist!
Jeff
January 26th, 2013
1:25 am
Saxby has smelled the coffee and being in a position where no one pays for his vote sounds very un profitable
Jeff
January 26th, 2013
1:26 am
Enter your comments here
Saxby Chambliss calls it quits | Undivided US
January 26th, 2013
2:25 am
[...] Cain would run for Chambliss’ seat was quickly scotched this morning, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but it is said that Newt Gingrich might still be interested. Other possible candidates [...]
DaTechGuy on DaRadio
January 26th, 2013
5:31 am
Nowhere in the article is mentioned Chambliss’ decision to discard his anti-tax pledge to the citizens of Georgia, after all such an admission doesn’t fit the Dying Tea Party Meme of the left.
Move on nothing to see here.
UPDATE: Sen. Saxby Chambliss Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2014
January 26th, 2013
6:35 am
[...] ARTICLE: The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Political Insider Jim Galloway is reporting that U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss will not seek re-election when his current term is up in [...]
Atlanta Academic
January 26th, 2013
6:46 am
I wanted to change my name to Canary in the Coal Mine and then I thought View from the Top of the Fence and then I thought bravery was better and although Leap of Faith came to mind I kept the name Atlanta Academic.
I remember the rules set out by the Marquess of Queensbury and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. If you do not know your history you are destined to repitition.
Atlanta Academic
January 26th, 2013
6:49 am
Went without spell check, came from the gut, repetition.
ljhays
January 26th, 2013
6:52 am
Time to look for some balance from Georgia, like a moderate Democrat. Republicans aren’t doing the state any good and are fueling the just-say-no wing of Congress.
where newt?
January 26th, 2013
7:32 am
newt need to come home from all these lobbying and consulting gigs and run for senate–with all that power, he can score some big 8 figure deals when he leave dc
Bid adieu to Georgia’s anti-gay Saxby Chambliss | Georgia News Feed
January 26th, 2013
8:08 am
[...] glory be. U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, one in a long line of anti-gay pols in Georgia, won’t seek a third term. Trouble with that is the long line of anti-gay pols in the state who will fight, kick, scratch and [...]
George Claridy
January 26th, 2013
8:11 am
Saxby
May I recommend Four Roses small batch 90 proof. You may want to use 1 ice cube to cool it off.
Marie
January 26th, 2013
8:12 am
How about a woman, black, or Hispanic candidate to take Saxby’s place? GOP needs more diversity to get its message across!
I75
January 26th, 2013
8:50 am
Karen Handel for Senate.
We need a real Republican not a RINO like Shameless.
moral majority
January 26th, 2013
8:51 am
the republicans need to nominate someone with deep religious principles to run for this position, like price or broun. the country’s out of control and it’s time to get back to the foundations of the bible.
Declan Georgia
January 26th, 2013
8:51 am
Calling all Georgians… plan to come to town for sugar, ammo, and to vote. Georgia needs to set the example of conservatism for a nation lost at the corner of Sodom and Gomorrah. We must force the lib agenda out of our great state: Let’s start by making inside the perimeter a gun free zone.
Alan Hull
January 26th, 2013
8:53 am
Saxby Chambliss’s decision to not run for the U.S. Senate is a predictable response by a cracker, post-Dixiecrat politician who has been in denial about demographic and societal changes in his state until he almost lost his last senate race. His membership in the seemingly progressive “gang of six” U.S. legislators was not a succumb to compromise, which is anathema to hucksters of his ilk. It was a pragmatic tactial attempt to bolster his chances of staying in power in a changing Georgia political economy and society. A better measure of his true ethics and morality can be found in his statement that he would not be bound by the reactionary ideologue Grover Norquist’s “no new taxes” pledge that he signed. Breaking promises and switching political parties to retain money and power is a better measure of Chambliss and his hypocritical Southern political and social philosophy that depends on like-minded “bidness” men in Georgia and elsewhere.
Hooty Goot
January 26th, 2013
9:22 am
“I’m going to have a life after this”. “Sitting on a porch drinking whiskey with some of y’all is exciting to think about”. SEE ! That’s what’s wrong with the man. He’s a drunk. The last thing Ga. needs is some old Strom Thurman type of person hanging around doing nothing but costing the tax payers money. Good riddance !
banannaone
January 26th, 2013
10:44 am
This will awaken the democratic party. I would love to see another senator who would be his brothers keeper.