U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss wasted no time taking aim at his just-named Democratic opponent on Wednesday, painting former state lawmaker Jim Martin as a liberal backed by liberals in Washington.

In a press conference just hours after Martin trounced DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones to become the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, Chambliss said he expects the "full force" of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee "blasting us."

"We're prepared for the onslaught that will come from the Democrats," said the 64-year-old first-term senator from Moultrie.

Martin, who spent 18 years in the state Legislature and later was Commissioner of the state Department of Human Resources, faces an uphill battle against Chambliss, who has raised millions for his campaign and has pre-purchased $5.2 million for media advertising.

Martin, 62, and Chambliss face each other and Libertarian Allen Buckley in November.

Chambliss spent the morning trying to distance himself from President Bush and trying to tie Martin to liberal members of the U.S. Senate who back Martin's campaign. Chambliss rode Bush's coattails to victory in 2002 in a come-from-behind win against former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland.

"I don't think there's a state in America that either party should take for granted," Chambliss said. "This will be an election year like none other the United States has seen."

Chambliss said Sen. John McCain will campaign on his behalf in Georgia, but President Bush will not.

"Unfortunately we were never able to work out a schedule," Chambliss said.