Last Senate Debate has friendly tone

In their last debate before Tuesday’s Primary election the 5 Democrats vying to run against incumbent Saxby Chambliss covered the economy, education, energy and Iraq. They did not differ significantly on the issues and were polite to each other during the
one-hour debate on GPB radio and television.

Dekalb CEO Vernon Jones defended using a picture of Barak Obama on his campaign flyer saying other politicians have used it as well this election year.

Former State Lawmakers Jim Martin who raised the most money in this race also got the most questions from fellow candidates and had to defend his record as former head of the Department of Human Resources.

Former TV reporter Dale Cardwell prided himself in not take political Pac money, and businessman Rand Knight, the youngest of the 5 candidates said he’d bring a PHD to the job.

He got a nod from Former Senate staffer Josh Lanier who raised less than 5000 dollars in this campaign. Lanier joked about Knight tireless campaigning.

"I pass you on highways. I got to where now I just wave at all the cars going by assuming one of them is you," he said, drawing laughter from the audience, "you put in the time and I salute you."

A friendly tone ran through the entire debate. When Vernon Jones had a chance to question an oponent, he asked Lanier if he'd support him in South Georgia.

"I have cleared my callendar from August through election day," Lanier said vowing to suppor whoever gets the democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Saxby Chambliss who has a considerable financial advantage over either democrat. He has $4 million already in the bank.

Polls done in the Democratic primary do not show a clear front runner. If no-one gets over 50 percent on Tuesday, a runoff will be held 3 weeks later.

Senate Candidates go after Chambliss

Candidates looking to unseat Senator Saxby Chambliss squared off for the first time this election season. Five Democrats and one Libertarian took part in a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Georgia and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The candidates did not have major disagreements among each other but Democrats Rand Knight focused his attacks on Incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss.

"The Sun is setting on Saxby Chambliss, and it's nightime," he said followed by cheers from teh crowd.

Former state legislator Jim Martin said as a Vietnam veteran he will not have his patriotism questioned by Saxby Chambliss. " I will hold him accountable," he said, " for what they have done."

Chambliss was invited to the event but declined. He will face the winner of the July 15th primary in November.

Dekalb CEO Vernon Jones used his closing remarks to criticize the media for suggesting that his campaign depends on the black vote.

"The media has created this frenzy around race. Now we are all one Georgia," Vernon said. He is the only African American Candidates in the race.

The Candidates agreed mostly on the issues ranging from the economy and gas prices to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. There was, however some discourse over taking money from special interest groups.

Former television journalist Dale Cardwell and businessman Josh Lanier have agreed not to accept PAC contributions.

Libertarian candidate Allan Buckley was also part of the forum.

Click Here for video event coverage.

Knight enters Senate race

A fourth Democrat has entered the race for U.S. Senate. 36-year-old Rand Knight would challenge Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss. First, he will have to face three Democratic opponents in the July 15th primary. They include DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones, former state lawmaker and human resources commissioner Jim Martin and ex-television journalist Dale Cardwell.

Chambliss and Martin off and running

Today Senator Saxby Chambliss officially kicked off his re-election campaign with a rally in Moultrie and Atlanta. At the state capitol Chambliss was flanked by Governor Perdue, Senator Johnny Isakson and and other leading Georgia Republicans. Chambliss touted his record and his ability, he says, to work with Democrats. Issues that he wants to focus on, he says, include health care, the economy and national security.

Also today Democrat Jim Martin announced his bid for the Senate seat. The former state representative will face two democratic opponents in the July primary. Martin ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor two years ago. The other Demorcats in the race are Dekalb County CEO Vernon Jones and former TV reporter Dale Cardwell.

Candidate ends week-long publicity stunt

A TV reporter turned political candidate has descended from his perch atop a 320-foot tower in Atlanta. Dale Cardwell spent a week on the tower to draw attention to his U.S. Senate bid. The Democrat is trying to unseat U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, a Republican seeking his second term. Cardwell will first face DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones in the Democratic primary.

Chambliss fundraising booms

Georgia Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss continues to be a fundraising powerhouse. Chambliss raised more than one million dollars in recent months. He has nearly $4 million dollars in the bank a year before election time. So far two Democrats have announced plans to oppose Chambliss, DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones and former Atlanta television news reporter Dale Cardwell.

VP Cheney in Georgia today

Vice President Dick Cheney will be in Atlanta today to support Senator Saxby Chambliss. Cheney's visit will be a quick in-and-out, with no time for the press or public. He's headlining a fundraising luncheon for Chambliss at a private home in Atlanta. The Georgia senator is running for re-election next year.

Chambliss has been one of the most loyal friends of the Bush administration on Capitol Hill. He helped craft immigration legislation that Bush wanted. But, after getting booed at the state GOP convention, Chambliss distanced himself from the measure. His job approval rating has dropped, according to polls by Strategic Vision.

At least one Democrat wants Chambliss' seat: former Atlanta t-v reporter Dale Cardwell.