Saxby Chambliss

Clarence Saxby Chambliss (born November 10, 1943) is an American politician who was a United States Senator from Georgia from 2003 to 2015. As a member of the Republican Party, he previously served as a U.S. Representative from 1995 to 2003.

"Senator Chambliss" redirects here. For the Alabama State Senate member, see Clyde Chambliss.

Saxby Chambliss
United States senator from Georgia
In office January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2015
Preceded by	Max Cleland
Succeeded by	David Perdue
Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee
In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2007
Preceded by	Thad Cochran
Succeeded by	Tom Harkin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 8th district
In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Roy Rowland
Succeeded by	Jim Marshall (Redistricting)
Personal details
Born	Clarence Saxby Chambliss (1943-11-10) November 10, 1943 Warrenton, North Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Julianne Frohbert ( m. 1966)
Children	2
Education	Louisiana Tech University University of Georgia (BA) University of Tennessee, Knoxville (JD)

During his four terms in the House, Chambliss served on the United States House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and chaired the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, which oversaw investigations of the intelligence community after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

During his 2002 bid for the U.S. Senate, Chambliss focused on the issue of national defense and homeland security. He won with 53% of the vote. For several years he was the ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and chaired the committee during the 109th Congress (2005–2007). In the 112th Congress (2011–2012) he was the ranking Republican on the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Chambliss had a conservative voting record in the Senate, but he participated in some bipartisan legislation. In December 2011 the Washington Post named Chambliss and the "Gang of Six" as one of the Best Leaders of 2011 for attempts to craft a bipartisan deficit reduction package.[1]

On January 25, 2013, Chambliss announced that he would not seek reelection in 2014.[2]

In 2018, President Trump appointed Chambliss to serve as a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.[3]

Early life, education, and family

Chambliss was born in Warrenton, North Carolina, the son of Emma Baker (née Anderson) and Alfred Parker Chambliss, Jr., an Episcopal minister.[4][5] He graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1961. He attended Louisiana Tech University from 1961–1962 and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia in 1966, working his way through college at a bakery in Athens.[4] He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1968. He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

During the Vietnam War, Chambliss received student deferments and was also given a medical deferment (1-Y) for bad knees due to a football injury.[6]

Chambliss is a member of St. Mark's Anglican Church in Moultrie, Georgia. He married Julianne Frohbert in 1966 and they have two children and six grandchildren.

Chambliss's son, Bo, was a registered lobbyist for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and lobbied on commodity futures trading issues that fall under legislative jurisdiction of the Senate Agriculture Committee, of which the Senator was a member. The Senator's office enacted a policy that prevented Bo from lobbying the Senator or his staff.[7]

House of Representatives

Chambliss was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as one of the new conservative Republican congressmen whose elections caused the party to gain a majority in both houses of Congress. A long-time Congressman and fellow Georgian, Newt Gingrich, was the leader of the movement, and Chambliss and the other Republicans elected that year are known as the Class of '94.

Chambliss was elected from the Macon-based 8th District, after six-term incumbent J. Roy Rowland retired. He was elected with 63%[8] of the vote—an unexpectedly large margin since the 8th had never elected a Republican. He faced a tough re-election fight in 1996 against Macon attorney Jim Wiggins, but breezed to reelection in 1998 and 2000. In the latter contest, he faced a reasonably well-financed challenger in former Macon mayor Jim Marshall, but turned back this challenge fairly easily with 59 percent of the vote.

During his four terms in the House, Chambliss served on the United States House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and chaired the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security.

Less than a month after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, which Chambliss chaired, investigated intelligence issues related to the attacks. The committee's investigation resulted in the first comprehensive report detailing critical shortfalls within the United States intelligence community's performance and technological capabilities.[9]

Chambliss was criticized for remarks he made during a November 19, 2001 meeting with first responders in Valdosta, Georgia, where he said that homeland security would be improved by turning the sheriff loose to "arrest every Muslim that crosses the state line." Chambliss apologized for the remarks.[10]

In 2006, Chambliss was among several congressional Republicans and Democrats who returned campaign donations from Jack Abramoff.[11]

U.S. Senate

Elections

2002 race

Main article: 2002 United States Senate election in Georgia

Chambliss with Zell Miller in 2004

Upon urging from Karl Rove and the Bush administration who viewed the Democratic party of Georgia as vulnerable, Chambliss ran for the Senate in 2002, facing freshman Democratic incumbent Max Cleland.

Fellow Republicans criticized him after he ran an ad against Cleland, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, in which he argued he was weak on defense and homeland security.[12] Chambliss received criticism from Democrats and Republicans for this ad, pointing out that he, who hadn't served in the Vietnam War due to receiving military deferments, had attacked a Vietnam War veteran who lost three limbs during his service for not being tough enough on issues of war and homeland security.[13] Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona said of one ad, "It's worse than disgraceful, it's reprehensible."[14] McCain, along with Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, made significant complaints to the Republican National Committee until the ads were taken down.[15] Chambliss supporters disagreed with the criticism, saying the advertisement did not question Cleland's patriotism, but rather his judgment.[16][17]

Chambliss won the election, receiving 53 percent of the votes to Cleland's 46 percent.

2008 race

Main article: 2008 United States Senate election in Georgia

On November 4, 2008, Chambliss received 50% of the vote, while Democratic challenger Jim Martin received 47% and Libertarian Allen Buckley received 3% of the vote.[18]

Since no candidate exceeded 50% of the vote, a runoff election between Chambliss and Martin was held on December 2, 2008.

Chambliss defeated Martin 57% to 43% in the runoff election.[19][20]

Imperial Sugar

During the run-off period, Chambliss received a subpoena regarding the investigation of a lawsuit against Imperial Sugar that claims that Imperial "wrongfully" failed to remove hazards that caused the disaster of a Savannah-based sugar refinery that exploded on February 7, 2008. Chambliss was accused of "harassing"[21] a former sugar company executive. In a statement, Chambliss said he has referred the matter to Senate lawyers. Chambliss has stated: "I continue to sympathize with the families who were devastated by this tragedy and I will continue to work to protect the interests of those families." Savannah attorney Mark Tate, "an active backer of Democratic candidates," insisted that "there is nothing political" about the timing of the subpoena. When Tate subpoenaed Chambliss to testify in the case, Chambliss claimed "legislative immunity."[22][23][24]

Committee assignments

[25]

Vice Chairman Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

Senate Armed Services Committee

• Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
• Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support
• Subcommittee on Personnel

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

• Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management (Ranking Member)
• Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation
• Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

Senate Special Committee on Aging

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Caucus memberships

• Congressional Fire Services Caucus
• Congressional Sportsmen Foundation
• Juvenile Diabetes Caucus
• National Guard Caucus
• Rural Health Caucus
• Senate Caucus on Military Depots, Arsenals and Ammunition Plants
• Co-Chair, Senate Reserve Caucus
• Steering Committee

Political positions

Voting record

Chambliss's voting record was typically that of voting in line with conservative issues.[26][27] He is the primary sponsor in the United States Senate of the tax-reform proposal The Fair Tax Act (S. 1025), attracting more cosponsors than any other fundamental tax reform bill introduced. Chambliss was one of the co-sponsors of the controversial bill, (PIPA).[28]

Although Chambliss has a conservative voting record, he participated in bi-partisan legislation—such as the 2007 Farm Bill, the bi-partisan immigration reform (led by John McCain and Ted Kennedy) in 2007[29] and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.[29] He is also the Republican leader of the Gang of 10, a bipartisan group which has worked to create a compromise surrounding the energy policy of the United States.

On March 6, 2013, Chambliss was one of 12 Senators invited to a private dinner hosted, and personally paid for, by President Obama at The Jefferson Hotel.[30] That same night, Chambliss participated in Rand Paul's filibuster over the government's use of lethal drone strikes—forcing the Senate to delay the expected confirmation of John O. Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.[31]

In April 2013, Chambliss was one of forty-six senators to vote against a bill which would have expanded background checks for all firearms buyers. Chambliss voted with 40 Republicans and 5 Democrats to stop the passage of the bill.[32]

Chambliss received bipartisan criticism in 2013 after discussing the "hormone level created by nature" as a possible cause of sexual assault in the military.[33]

In January 2014 Chambliss signed an amicus brief in support of Senator Ron Johnson's legal challenge against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Affordable Care Act ruling.[34]

Interest groups ratings

On abortion issues, the ratings given Chambliss as of 2007 by National Right to Life Committee and NARAL Pro-Choice America identify him as having an anti-abortion voting record. The National Right to Life Committee gave him a 100% rating, while NARAL Pro-Choice America gave him a 0% rating.[35][36]

On 2nd Amendment issues, in 2008, the NRA gave Chambliss an "A+" rating and the NRA also endorsed him.[37][38]

On agricultural issues, the American Farm Bureau gave Chambliss its "Friend of the Farm Bureau" award throughout his service in the U.S. Senate.[39]

On economic issues including voting on the national budget, national spending, and taxes, in 2007, the National Tax Limitation Committee gave Chambliss a 90% rating,[40] and the group Americans for Tax Reform gave him a 100% rating.[41]

On civil liberties and civil rights issues, in 2007, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) gave him a 17% rating,[42] and the NAACP gave him a 27% rating.[43] The Human Rights Campaign gave him a 0% rating for 2005–2006[44] and a 20% rating for 2007–2008.[45]

On education issues, in 2008, the Center for Education Reform, gave Chambliss a score of 9 out of 9, and called him a "real reformer",[46] while the National Education Association gave him an "F" in 2007.[47]

On organized labor issues, in 2007 the AFL-CIO gave Chambliss an 11% rating,[48] and the International Foodservice Distributors Association gave him an 85% rating.[49]

On environmental issues, in 2003 the League of Conservation Voters gave Chambliss a 0% rating.[50]

Personal life

On May 6, 2013, Chambliss played golf in a foursome with President Obama, Senator Bob Corker (R–TN), and Senator Mark Udall (D–CO) at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. On the par three 11th hole, Chambliss made a hole in one, choking up on a five iron.[51]

In January 2009, Georgia Trend, a prominent state business and political magazine, named Chambliss its Georgian of the Year.[52]

Electoral history

See also: 2008 United States Senate election in Georgia

Georgia's 8th congressional district: Results 1994–2000[53]

Year		Democratic	Votes	Pct		Republican	Votes	Pct
1994		Craig Mathis	53,408	37%		Saxby Chambliss	89,591	63%
1996		Jim Wiggins	84,506	47%		Saxby Chambliss	93,619	53%
1998		Ronald L. Cain	53,079	38%		Saxby Chambliss	87,993	62%
2000		Jim Marshall	79,051	41%		Saxby Chambliss	113,380	59%

Georgia Senator (Class II): 2002 results[53]

Year		Democratic	Votes	Pct		Republican	Votes	Pct		3rd Party	Party	Votes	Pct
2002		Max Cleland	932,422	46%		Saxby Chambliss	1,071,352	53%		Claude "Sandy" Thomas	Libertarian	27,830	1%
2008		Jim Martin	1,757,393	47%		Saxby Chambliss	1,867,093	50%		Alan Buckley	Libertarian	127,923	3.4%

2008 Georgia U.S. Senator general election runoff[20]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	Republican	Saxby Chambliss (incumbent)	1,228,033	57%
	Democratic	Jim Martin	909,923	43%
Majority			318,110	15%
Turnout			2,137,956

References

1. "The best leaders of 2011". The Washington Post. December 19, 2011.
2. "U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss won't seek third term". ajc. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
3. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/trump-names-hand-picked-panel-to-supervise-investigate-intelligence-community
4. "R. Saxby Chambliss." Biography Resource Center Online. Gale Group, 2002. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2009.
5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
6. Tom Robbins, "The Sunshine Patriots", Village Voice, August 17, 2004
7. "Democrats target Georgia's Chambliss over son's lobbying – USNews.com 3/7/06". Usnews.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
8. 1994 General Election Results U.S. Congress – 8th District, Georgia Secretary of State
9. Rep. Saxby Chambliss: Anti-terrorism measures in the U.S., CNN.com, October 2, 2001
10. Melanie Eversley, "Chambliss apologizes for remark on Muslims", Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 21, 2001.
11. Bush, lawmakers returning Abramoff donations, NBC News, January 5, 2006
12. "Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss won't seek re-election". Fox News. January 25, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
13. Politico: Cleland ad causes trouble for Chambliss. November 12, 2008.
14. The Atlantic: The Daily Dish: Quote for the Day. November 12, 2008.
15. The Orlando Sentinel: Ex-senator Boosts Kerry, Battles Critics. June 13, 2004
16. Crowley, Michael (April 2, 2004). "Former Sen. Max Cleland: How the disabled war veteran became the Democrats' mascot". Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
17. Coulter, Ann (December 31, 2008). "Teaching Democrats New Tricks". Archived from the original on October 3, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
18. "Georgia Election Results". Secretary of State of Georgia. November 4, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
19. "U.S. Senate Election Results". Action News, Atlanta. December 2, 2008. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
20. "Georgia Election Results". State of Georgia Secretary of State. December 2, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
21. Peterson, Larry (July 31, 2008). "Chambliss in sugar furor". Savannah morning news. Archived from the original on September 22, 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
22. Peterson, Larry (October 24, 2008). "Chambliss subpoenaed in Imperial Sugar case". Savannah morning news. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
23. Peterson, Larry (November 16, 2008). "Chambliss says he doesn't have to obey order to testify in Imperial Sugar lawsuit". Savannah morning news. Archived from the original on October 25, 2009. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
24. ATKINS, MICHAEL (November 20, 2008). "Imperial Sugar executive defends Chambliss". Savannah morning news. Archived from the original on October 25, 2009. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
25. http://www.chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=CommitteeAssignments
26. "American Conservative Union Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
27. "Christian Coalition Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
28. "Senator Chambliss official statement on PIPA". Senator Chambliss Official Page.
29. "Scrambling the red states". The Economist. October 23, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
30. Calmes, Jackie (March 6, 2013). "G.O.P. Senators Give Obama Dinner Thumbs Up". The New York Times.
31. Parker, Ashley (March 6, 2013). "Republicans, Led by Rand Paul, Finally End Filibuster". The New York Times.
32. Silver, Nate (April 18, 2013). "Modeling the Senate's Vote on Gun Control". The New York Times.
33. Ford, Dana (June 5, 2013). "Representatives knock Sen. Saxby Chambliss' comments on sexual assault". CNN. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
34. Ed O'Keefe. "38 GOP lawmakers join Ron Johnson's Obamacare lawsuit". Washington Post.
35. "National Right to Life Committee Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
36. "NARAL Pro-Choice America Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
37. "Friend of Farm Bureau – 109th Congress". American Farm Bureau Federation.
38. "Friend of Farm Bureau – 108th Congress". American Farm Bureau Federation.
39. "Vote Freedom First". NRA-Political Victory Fund. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011.
40. "National Tax Limitation Committee Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
41. "Americans for Tax Reform Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
42. "American Civil Liberties Union Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
43. "National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
44. "Human Rights Campaign Rating". Project Vote Smart.
45. "Human Rights Campaign Rating". Project Vote Smart.
46. "US Senate Candidate Scorecard" (PDF). The Center for Education Reform.
47. "National Education Association Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
48. "AFL-CIO Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
49. "International Foodservice Distributors Association Ratings". Project Vote Smart.
50. "OnTheIssues Ratings". OnTheIssues.
51. "Hole in one as Obama golfs with three senators". The Houston Chronicle.
52. "Biography". Saxby Chambliss official website. Retrieved November 17, 2014.
53. "Election Statistics". Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Retrieved August 8, 2007.

External links

• Saxby Chambliss at Curlie
• Appearances on C-SPAN
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Roy Rowland	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 8th congressional district 1995–2003	Succeeded by Mac Collins
Party political offices
Preceded by Guy Millner	Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Georgia (Class 2) 2002, 2008	Succeeded by David Perdue
U.S. Senate
Preceded by Max Cleland	U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Georgia 2003–2015 Served alongside: Zell Miller, Johnny Isakson	Succeeded by David Perdue
Preceded by Thad Cochran	Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee 2005–2007	Succeeded by Tom Harkin