He’s represented coastal Georgia residents at the federal level for 20 years, and now Congressman Jack Kingston is vying for the U.S. Senate in 2014.
The 11-term House of Representatives veteran announced his candidacy Thursday on River Street in Savannah.
“Now it’s time in my political life to begin a new chapter, and we’re here today to end speculation as I announce my candidacy for the United States Senate …,” Kingston said as his family and a crowd of supporters watched. “It would be easy to stay in the house and hide behind the mantle of seniority — in fact, it’s flattering to walk down the hall and be called Mr. Chairman, but I am convinced the battleground for America is now in the United States Senate.”
Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who has served in the senate since 2002, announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election in 2014. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports U.S. Reps. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta, and Paul Broun, R-Athens, also have announced their candidacies for the seat, and more contenders are expected to come forward.  
During his Thursday remarks, Kingston spoke about the work ethic and fiscal conservancy his father instilled in him and introduced his mother, Ann Kingston, to whom he credits his Republican values.
He also touted his record representing the five military installations within District 1 and cited examples in which he strayed from party lines, such as voting against President George Bush’s bailouts of Wall Street, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, “because, again, conservative principles are more important than party.”

Read more in the May 4 edition of the News.