The trio of Southern gentlemen came to the Senate together in 2003, the leading edge of a renegade Republican class set on shaking up the chamber's staid ways and aggressively promoting the Bush administration's conservative agenda.
Ten years later, Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina are now establishment deal makers and elder statesmen — roles that earn them respect in Washington but could lead to tough challenges from fellow Republicans when they run for re-election next year.
On Friday, Chambliss announced that there will be no re-election for him, opting for retirement over another run that was certain to include a heated primary challenge, possibly from several candidates.