DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones officially filed paperwork earlier this month to challenge Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) in 2008, becoming the first Democrat to enter the Senate contest.

Jones filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on March 16, listing “Vernon Jones for Georgia” as his principal campaign committee. According to the filing, Jones does not plan to spend any personal money on the contest.

Jones visited Washington, D.C., recently and met with Chambliss, as well as with freshman Rep. Hank Johnson (D), to inform both men of his candidacy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week.

Jones is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to his current job in 2008.

Still, political observers remain skeptical that Democrats can generate a competitive contest against Chambliss next year. The Peach State has undergone a Republican revolution in recent years, and Democrats there appear to have an even steeper uphill climb in a presidential election year.

— Lauren W. Whittington