Senate candidates into stretch run toward runoff

Saying "it’s time for him to go" in referring to Republican incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss, former vice president Al Gore dropped into Georgia to stump for Democratic senate challenger Jim Martin. Gore spoke to about 600 people at an Atlanta art gallery Sunday night, telling the crowd "change is coming to Georgia." The Gore visit for Martin follows that of Mitt Romney for Chambliss on Friday, as the parade of high-profile names into Georgia continues. The former Massachusetts Governor in his visit told Chambliss-faithful that a victory by Martin could be a first step toward a European brand of socialism.

Tomorrow, its former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani arriving in Atlanta for Chambliss. The runoff election to decide the U.S. Senate race, as well as races for seats on the Public Service Commission and Court of Appeals, is ahead a week from tomorrow.

Gore assails Chambliss, Bush policies at Martin rally

Former Vice-President Al Gore addressing supporters of Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin at a rally in Atlanta, Sunday, Nov. 23. (Dave Bender)

Former Vice-President Al Gore revved up a rally for Senate candidate Jim Martin Sunday night.

Gore urged the crowd of about 600 cheering supporters to cast their ballots this coming week, and not wait until December second.

Gore criticized economic policies of the Bush Administration, tying them directly to Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss:

“The Bush, Cheney, Chambliss philosophy has been tried and found not only wanting – it has been found out to be a catastrophe for the United States of America.”

The Nobel Prize winner heaped praise on Martin’s record and background as a state lawmaker.

Martin says remarks by Gore that “the eyes of the nation were on this race in Georgia,” indicate how crucial the runoff is for the incoming Obama administration.

Democrats hold 58 seats in the Senate, and the outcome of races in Georgia and Minnesota will decide if they will achieve a filibuster-proof Senate “supermajority.”

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