Paul Broun Running for Senate in Georgia

Georgia congressman Paul Broun announced Wednesday he is running in 2014 for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Saxby Chambliss. Broun, a Republican House member since 2007, is the first major candidate to officially enter the race. Here is an excerpt from his announcement in Atlanta:

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.

Broun may face one or more of his House colleagues in a GOP primary. Phil Gingrey, Tom Graves, Tom Price, Lynn Westmoreland, and Jack Kingston are all considered possible candidates for the Senate, in addition to several other Republicans like former secretary of state Karen Handel. Potential Democrats who could run for the seat are congressman John Barrow and Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed.