Two senators have announced they will not seek re-election in next year’s mid-terms. Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia is stepping down rather than potentially face a primary challenge from the party’s tea party wing. Chambliss has faced criticism from far-right Republicans for working with Democrats on a bipartisan deficit plan. Across the aisle, Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa has announced his retirement after five terms in office. Harkin has served in Washington for 40 years, previously as a member of Congress.