An ex-U.S. Army Ranger has announced plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat being left vacant by Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Todd Robinson told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Tuesday that he's seeking the Democratic nomination and lists welfare reform, unemployment, veterans' benefits and medical care for the elderly as elements of his campaign platform.

The 52-year-old Robinson says his campaign committee has outposts in Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Thomasville and other areas.

Robinson says he first considered running for Senate when partisan politics slowed discussions on the fiscal cliff issue last year.

He told the newspaper that he thinks Georgia needs someone with a fresh perspective representing the state in Washington.

Robinson is a Junior ROTC instructor at Stewart County High School and is married to a Columbus television reporter.

Tags: Democrat, Saxby Chambliss, elections, 2014 election, senate race, todd robinson