ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
He's a powerful leader on Capitol Hill, but the senior senator from Moultrie not seeking re-election.
Senator Saxby Chambliss citing frustration over the inability of our nation's lawmakers to work together for the greater good of our country as the main reason he won't run in 2014.
It's certain his seat will draw candidates from both sides of the aisle.
We're hearing from two state lawmakers on the names that could be thrown in the hat.
"Senator Chambliss had positioned himself to be more of a player than just to do the downfield blocking. I think it's a huge loss for Southwest Georgia," said District 152 Representative Ed Rynders.
Local House Representative Ed Rynders says he knows how big of a role Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss played for the state of Georgia and he feels losing the senior senator will be critical.
Chambliss is being recognized by both parties as a politician who worked across party lines to get things done in congress.
They say that attitude will be missed.
"Right now, America is evenly divided. I think Senator Chambliss was one of those who searched for solutions and instead found frustration," said Rynders.
"When I first heard it, I was terribly surprised because Senator Chambliss is a person who worked very hard for the people of the state. He's well thought of not only in the state but throughout the nation as an individual who will reach across the aisle to get things done for the people of this country," said District 150 Representative Winfred Dukes.
Now both parties are looking forward to 2014 with candidates on their mind to fill what will be a vacant seat.
Each Representative named candidates with long history of Georgia politics.
"Austin Scott, Tom Graves, Jack Kingston. You'll also see some people in constitutional offices state wide like the lieutenant governor, the attorney general, the secretary of state," said Rynders.
"Our own Congressman Sanford Bishop will be an excellent choice along with Congressman Barrow from over on the east part of the state. Along with others," said Dukes.
But one thing is clear, whoever steps up to the plate will have some big shoes to fill on Capitol Hill.
Chambliss has been a senator for 10 years. He previously served in the U.S. House.
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