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Chambliss: GOP takeover probable
1021Chambliss
Sen. Saxby Chambliss speaks at a Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands Wednesday. Chambliss spoke to local business leaders about the upcoming election, health care, taxes and the economy. - photo by SARA GUEVARA

When it comes to politics on the national level, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss is expecting major role reversals in a matter of weeks.

"We're about 13 days away from a watershed election. If you listen to the pundits, it seems real probable that the Republicans will re-take the (U.S. House of Representatives)," Chambliss said Wednesday during a Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

"I think there's a real possibility of us regaining control."

The Georgia senator also spoke to local business
leaders about changes he sees abroad in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

And attendees got the opportunity to share their concerns with the politician.

Dr. Jack Chapman, of Gainesville Eye Associates, asked Chambliss to encourage his colleagues to take a closer look at tort reform and also possibly "repealing Obamacare" - the health care reform act.

According to Chambliss, if the Republicans are able to regain control of the U.S. House, then "Americans will see a lot more discussion about health care reform.

"There are still a lot of things in that bill that the American people don't know about. There are things in that bill that I didn't even pick up on," Chambliss said.

"There are some good provisions, but I think the bad provisions far outweigh the good."

While some conservatives have taken issue with the tea party potentially taking voters away from the Republican Party, Chambliss welcomes their presence.

"I think the tea party is great for America. These are people who are mad as the devil about the direction the country is going," Chambliss said.

"For the most part, these were people who were sitting on their sofas, watching the elections on TV - not going out and voting. Now, not only are they getting involved in the election, they are knocking on doors and making sure their voices are heard."

Even with the tea party's growing involvement in current political races, Chambliss still predicts the Republican Party will pick up at least seven House seats during the Nov. 2 elections.

Although he isn't currently running for re-election, Chambliss made a big campaign promise.

"This is going to be one of the most unusual elections anyone in this room has ever witnessed."