The Georgian, a recent target of conservative ire, will retire after two terms, and would-be successors are already lining up.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., will retire at the end of 2014, setting off a Republican scramble to fill his seat, according to sources familiar with his decision.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the news.
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Chambliss has drawn the ire of conservatives throughout the state in recent years -- particularly over his participation in the bipartisan "Gang of Six" and his recent vote in favor of the fiscal-cliff deal. Add to that the roughly $1.5 million he has in the bank for a reelection contest, far short of what other vulnerable senators have stored up for 2014, and Chambliss was high up on the watch list for Republican incumbents who were in danger this year.
Already, Republican Reps. Tom Price and Paul Broun have expressed interest in a bid. Broun has been increasingly critical of Chambliss and told WGAU radio in Athens this week that he was considering a bid. Meanwhile, Price told MSNBC's Chuck Todd on Thursday that he had not ruled out challenging Chambliss, adding: "If opportunity knocks, then you have to open the door."