Athens' Paul Broun, Jr., First out of the Blocks in the Race for Chambliss's Senate Seat

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) announced Wednesday that he will be seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2014. He released the following statement at a rally in Buckhead.

“I went to Congress to stand against out-of-control spending in Washington DC. Though it has often been a lonely fight, it is a necessary one.

“We must have someone to lead the fight to stop this madness, and restore fiscal restraint to our nation’s capital. Georgia needs a Senator who will take a stand to stop the irresponsible spending. I’ll be that leader!
“When I was sworn into the Marine Corps, and then again into the House of Representatives, I swore to defend the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic. Out-of-control spending has become our nation’s enemy.
“I’ll be the only candidate in this race whose first priority is to stop the runaway spending in Washington D.C. I’ve sponsored more legislation to reduce spending than any other Member of Congress from this state.
“Georgians aren’t interested in labels or affiliation, they’re interested in solutions. And that begins by making Washington smaller and America bigger!  That’s the reason I’m running for U.S. Senate.
“I’m Paul Broun. I’m ready to lead that fight against out-of-control spending.  With your help, and by God’s grace, this is a campaign we’re going to win.”

The announcement was not unexpected after Broun's wife, Niki, let it slip last week at a meeting of Citizens Helping America Restore Government Ethics that her husband had her permission to run, and that he was announcing his candidacy.

Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss announced recently that he would not seek a third term, opening the way for Broun and possibly others, to make a play for the U.S. Senate.

Broun, who represents southern Clarke County, all of Oconee, Barrow and Walton, and part of Gwinnett, among other regions, is known nationally for his positions on science and the age of the earth.

He ran unopposed for re-election in 2012, but a write-in campaign for evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin garnered thousands of votes. It is not yet known whether the 19th-century scientist's name will appear on the ballot for the U.S. Senate in 2014.