Politics & Government

Chambliss Announces He Won't Seek Re-election in 2014

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss has blamed frustration with Washington, a lack of leadership in the White House and gridlock in the Senate for his decision not to seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.

 

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) announced Friday that he will not be seeking a third term in Congress in 2014. According to The Washington Post, Chambliss said his decision was based on his frustration with Washington and not because he feared defeat in a primary. He reportedly said, in fact, he was confident he would have won re-election.

“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,” Chambliss is reported as saying. “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.”

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Republican House members Paul Broun (R-GA) and Tom Price (R-GA) were reportedly considering campaigns against Chambliss. Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel’s name also has come up. The Washington Post reports that Democrats too are eyeing the seat with more interest now.

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA-07) issued a statement Friday after hearing of Chambliss’s decision.

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“Senator Chambliss has been a passionate advocate and lead sponsor of the FairTax in the U.S. Senate. The Senator’s decision today means he and I will have only 23 more months together to push the FairTax and fundamental tax reform to fruition.  Fundamental tax reform is on the front-burner in the House, and the FairTax has been reintroduced with more co-sponsors than ever before,” Woodall said. “Passing this critical legislation and restoring America as the world’s undisputed economic leader would be a fitting conclusion to Senator Chambliss’ distinguished career of service.”

What do you think about Chambliss' decision? Is this just the first of many who will follow suit before the 2014 mid-terms?


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