Campaigns in Ga. Senate runoff try to re-energize voters

WASHINGTON -- Despite an economy in peril and a holiday season now officially underway, two Georgia candidates for Senate are working overtime to get voters hooked on politics again.

Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss and Democratic challenger Jim Martin face a runoff Tuesday in Georgia's Senate race that may turn on who can better energize core supporters.

A parade of high-profile party leaders have visited Georgia to gin up interest in the race. Former president Bill Clinton has campaigned for Martin and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP nominee for vice president, will stump for Chambliss on Monday.

"Part of what you're up against is a little bit of voter fatigue. People are tired," said Chambliss spokeswoman Michelle Grasso. "You want to make sure that your supporters are energized and excited and that's what these (visits) are helping us to do."

The race has captured national attention because Democrats must win in Georgia and Minnesota — where a recount is underway — to secure a 60-seat Senate majority. That expanded majority may allow the party to more easily advance its policies and block a GOP filibuster.

Chambliss received 1.9 million votes in the Nov. 4 election, or 49.8%. Martin got 1.8 million votes, or 46.8%. Georgia law requires a runoff when no candidate receives more than 50%.

A Martin spokesman, Matt Canter, said the campaign hopes to capitalize on the same energy that drove the general election. Democratic volunteers, he said, would work throughout the weekend calling supporters and encouraging them to vote.

"Voters understand that although it's been a long campaign season there's a long way to go," Canter said. "That's always the challenge in a runoff, but this year … there's no question that turnout will be key."

More than a quarter of Martin's support came from counties where blacks make up more than half the population, including the county surrounding Atlanta. Some believe many of those voters turned out principally for President-elect Barack Obama.