The state’s senior senator had often stoked conservative ire with his willingness to work across the aisle, and there was already heavy chatter in D.C. and the Peach State about a possible primary challenge to Chambliss from the right, mainly centering on Reps. Tom Price and Paul Broun as the most likely contenders.
Still, the Republican’s decision still comes as a shock, given behind-the-scenes moves Chambliss had been making to ease a challenge. He reached out to tea party groups in the state in recent weeks and months, had begun raising money, and as recently as yesterday, according to one source, his advisers were talking seriously about his re-election campaign.
Now, Georgia insiders agree the field is wide open, with several conservative favorites sure to be weighing bids. Add to the list most of the state’s GOP congressional delegation: in addition to Price and Broun, some sources speculate Reps. Lynn Westmoreland, Tom Graves, Phil Gingrey and even Jack Kingston might weigh a bid. If any or all jump in, it won’t just be a crowded GOP senate primary, but would have ripple effects down to crowded primary races for their solidly Republican House seats.