Obama Records Radio Ad for Georgia's Martin

Georgia race tests whether Obama can pull one out for Dems, even in absentia

(NEWSER) - Today’s runoff election in Georgia between incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss and challenger Jim Martin is a test of whether Barack Obama’s election heralds a new political movement, or just a moment, writes Sasha Issenberg in the Boston Globe. Democrat Martin is campaigning as an Obama ally, using the president-elect’s lines in his speeches. If he wins, chalk it up to the Obama magic. More»

'Unbelievable' sum of money fuels runoff for Senate seat

(NEWSER) - With Democrats just two seats away from mounting a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, GOP donors are injecting millions into Georgia’s runoff election, USA Today reports. Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss raised $1.6 million in large contributions in about a week, compared to $462,000 for Democrat Jim Martin. Chambliss also has pulled in $2.5 million the last few weeks from groups such as the NRA, about double Martin's haul from outside groups. More»

Newly registered force Sen. Chambliss into unexpected dogfight

(NEWSER) - With Barack Obama’s candidacy driving record early-voter turnout in Georgia among African-Americans, Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss is in an unexpected dogfight with Democrat Jim Martin, the New York Times reports. Though the Obama campaign stopped short of a full-court press for Georgia, it has spent months registering tens of thousands of new voters, many of them African-American. More»

(NEWSER) - Republican Saxby Chambliss has held onto his Senate seat in Georgia, a crucial win that prevents Democrats from reaching a filibuster-proof 60 seats, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Chambliss handily defeated Democratic challenger Jim Martin in today's runoff. He led 57% to 43% with 99% of returns in. Although Minnesota's Senate race remains undecided, the best Democrats can hope for now is 59 seats. More»

(NEWSER) - If Saxby Chambliss defeats Jim Martin in the Georgia Senate runoff today, Democratic hopes of a 60-seat majority will be dashed, Politico reports. Here are five things to look for as voters go again to the polls.

• Turnout: Martin's hopes ride on higher than average black participation, which happened Nov. 4 but is doubtful today.