Georgia on my Mind

(Newser) - An elevated walkway under construction at Atlanta’s Botanical Garden collapsed today, killing a worker and injuring 18, the Journal-Constitution reports. Workers were pouring concrete for the 40-foot-high footbridge when the collapse set off a scene one EMT described as "sheer chaos." Those nearby described a “loud thud” that “lasted for about 15 seconds,” followed 10 minutes later by sirens. 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. More »

(Newser) - Georgia decides its Senate race today and both sides are going all-out to secure a victory that could help determine the direction of the next Congress, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The GOP has sent in Sarah Palin to stump for incumbent Sen. Saxby Chambliss, while Democratic challenger Jim Martin held a final rally in Atlanta joined by hip-hop stars and a civil rights leader. More »

(Newser) - Sarah Palin is on the campaign trail again, this time in support of Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. “The eyes of the nation are on you,” Palin told a crowd of thousands in the state today, the eve of a runoff election. The Alaska governor told voters they’re key to preventing Democrats from taking a filibuster-proof Senate majority. More »

(Newser) - Sarah Palin will lend her star power to Saxby Chambliss in his Senate runoff battle against Democrat Jim Martin, Politico reports. Palin will appear with Chambliss at rallies across Georgia the day before the Dec. 2 runoff, capping a GOP full-court press that has seen Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and John McCain drop by to try to keep Chambliss’ seat in Republican hands. More »

(Newser) - John McCain found himself back on familiar terrain tonight—the campaign trail. The Republican also-ran traveled to Georgia to stump for Saxby Chambliss, who's locked in a runoff battle for the Senate with Democrat Jim Martin, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. “I did not think I would be back on the campaign trail quite this early,” McCain said. “But there is a lot at stake here. I’m asking you to go into battle one more time." More »