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Chambliss race tightens, may face runoff for U.S. Senate seat
BRITTANY BINOWSKI, BRITTANY COFER and MIMI ENSLEY
Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: News
ATLANTA - A crowd of about 1,000 Saxby Chambliss supporters celebrated his possible reelection to U.S. Senate in Buckhead Tuesday night.
With 84 percent precincts reporting, incumbent Republican Chambliss pulled 55.4 percent of votes, with Democrat Jim Martin at 41 percent and Libertarian Allen Buckley at 3.6 percent.
But overnight the numbers got a little tighter. Chambliss held 50.4 percent of the vote with 98 percent of precincts reporting. He needs to stay above 50 percent of the vote total to escape a Dec. 2 runoff with Martin, who has 46 percent. Buckley was pulling 3 percent.
Martin told supporters late Tuesday night that race was too close to call and he is waiting for votes to be counted.
Chambliss was cautiously optimistic.
"We said all along this was going to be a very, very close race and obviously it is close from the standpoint of us getting 50 percent plus one," Chambliss said. "And while we think we're there, we just want to make sure."
Self-proclaimed political junkies and high school students getting their first taste of politics gathered to support the incumbent.
"With the likelihood of a Democratic controlled presidency, it's more important for the people of Georgia to have voted for a voice of reason in Saxby Chambliss, so there is a check," said Steven Leibel of Dahlonega.
Party attendees said they were confident in Chambliss' abilities.
As Fox News, which was projected on a large screen at the back of a room in the Intercontinental Hotel, began to show Obama taking the lead, Chambliss supporters saw even more importance in Georgia's race for Senate.
"I feel, I guess, a combination of confidence and relief knowing that Saxby is going to win and that we can do our real job of representing the constituents in Georgia so he can continue to do a stellar job," said Matt Waldroup, legislative correspondent for the senator.
Other Chambliss supporters were confident in their decision to support the incumbent senator.
"He takes the best of our state to Washington," Niki Knox of Atlanta said.
At the party, Chambliss' backers showed signs of optimism and sentimentalism.
"This is the first time I've been moved by an election," Brooke Height of Vinings said.
Down the street, friends and supporters gathered at the Park Tavern to support Jim Martin's race for the Senate.
"I'm here tonight because it's a chance for Georgia to go blue," said Theo Beck, a Martin for Senate party attendee.
Supporters said they were anxious about the campaign ending and happy to support Martin.
"Jim is one of the most ethical people I've ever met," said Ritu Verma, the Martin campaign's deputy finance director. "He will be able to serve the interests of Georgians."
Some young proponents said they supported Martin because of the personal connection he made with them.
"We have similar viewpoints," Maureen Dougherty said.
Amanda Dean said she supported Martin because he gave a voice to everyone, not just some people.
"He is the kind of man personally, professionally and politically that makes more sense for most of the working people of Georgia," Robert Searfoss said.
After Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was officially projected to be president, supporters drove the streets in Atlanta, yelling and honking horns.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report
With 84 percent precincts reporting, incumbent Republican Chambliss pulled 55.4 percent of votes, with Democrat Jim Martin at 41 percent and Libertarian Allen Buckley at 3.6 percent.
But overnight the numbers got a little tighter. Chambliss held 50.4 percent of the vote with 98 percent of precincts reporting. He needs to stay above 50 percent of the vote total to escape a Dec. 2 runoff with Martin, who has 46 percent. Buckley was pulling 3 percent.
Martin told supporters late Tuesday night that race was too close to call and he is waiting for votes to be counted.
Chambliss was cautiously optimistic.
"We said all along this was going to be a very, very close race and obviously it is close from the standpoint of us getting 50 percent plus one," Chambliss said. "And while we think we're there, we just want to make sure."
Self-proclaimed political junkies and high school students getting their first taste of politics gathered to support the incumbent.
"With the likelihood of a Democratic controlled presidency, it's more important for the people of Georgia to have voted for a voice of reason in Saxby Chambliss, so there is a check," said Steven Leibel of Dahlonega.
Party attendees said they were confident in Chambliss' abilities.
As Fox News, which was projected on a large screen at the back of a room in the Intercontinental Hotel, began to show Obama taking the lead, Chambliss supporters saw even more importance in Georgia's race for Senate.
"I feel, I guess, a combination of confidence and relief knowing that Saxby is going to win and that we can do our real job of representing the constituents in Georgia so he can continue to do a stellar job," said Matt Waldroup, legislative correspondent for the senator.
Other Chambliss supporters were confident in their decision to support the incumbent senator.
"He takes the best of our state to Washington," Niki Knox of Atlanta said.
At the party, Chambliss' backers showed signs of optimism and sentimentalism.
"This is the first time I've been moved by an election," Brooke Height of Vinings said.
Down the street, friends and supporters gathered at the Park Tavern to support Jim Martin's race for the Senate.
"I'm here tonight because it's a chance for Georgia to go blue," said Theo Beck, a Martin for Senate party attendee.
Supporters said they were anxious about the campaign ending and happy to support Martin.
"Jim is one of the most ethical people I've ever met," said Ritu Verma, the Martin campaign's deputy finance director. "He will be able to serve the interests of Georgians."
Some young proponents said they supported Martin because of the personal connection he made with them.
"We have similar viewpoints," Maureen Dougherty said.
Amanda Dean said she supported Martin because he gave a voice to everyone, not just some people.
"He is the kind of man personally, professionally and politically that makes more sense for most of the working people of Georgia," Robert Searfoss said.
After Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was officially projected to be president, supporters drove the streets in Atlanta, yelling and honking horns.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
Tony
posted 11/05/08 @ 9:06 AM EST
With 96% of the precincts reporting, and votes yet to be counted in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties, the AP hasn't called the race for Saxby Chambliss. In fact, CNN hasn't called the race, ABC hasn't called the race, NBC hasn't called the race, and CBS hasn't called the race. (Continued…)
notsofast
posted 11/05/08 @ 9:26 AM EST
Check the Secretary of State web site this morning. Chambliss has dropped below 50%, and the AP says a lot of early vote is still uncounted (including Fulton). (Continued…)
Lee Corso
posted 11/05/08 @ 9:57 AM EST
Not so fast my friend. it may be headed to a runoff. Great reporting!
Darcy
posted 11/05/08 @ 10:02 AM EST
Even if there is a runoff, with his margin of victory here Chambliss would be virtually certain of winning it.
notreally
posted 11/05/08 @ 3:31 PM EST
Actually incumbents forced into runoffs lose 70 percent of the time according to Dr. Charles Bulloch, an expert on GA politics. All it will take is one visit from Obama, standing next to Martin saying, "I need this man in the US Senate to help me pass important legislation" and the Democratic base will come in droves. (Continued…)
Check your history
posted 11/05/08 @ 5:36 PM EST
President-elect Clinton came to Georgia to campaign for incumbent Senator Fowler (D) during the runoff in 1992. Republican Paul Coverdell won the seat. (Continued…)
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