Dire economy led Georgia news in '08

The vast economic crisis has left scores of Georgia's houses empty, its banks shuttered and sent thousands of its residents searching for jobs even as its unemployment rate balloons to heights not seen since Ronald Reagan was president.

The nationwide recession was the top Georgia news story of 2008, according to state editors and news directors voting in The Associated Press' annual survey.

Other stories high on most lists included an energy crisis that sent gas prices on a roller-coaster ride, the U.S. Senate runoff that thwarted Democratic plans for a super-majority in the Senate and the months-long trial of courthouse gunman Brian Nichols.

Yet the economic doldrums was the top choice for seven of 12 Georgia AP members participating in the news cooperative's survey.

Georgia residents began feeling the economic fallout early this year as a growing number of homes remained unsold and credit grew tighter. Firms fired workers, governments furloughed staffers, foreclosures spiked and the state unemployment rate soared to 7.5 percent - the highest in 25 years.

The bleak economy forced regulators to close down five state banks, and led Gov. Sonny Perdue to order spending cuts of at least 6 percent to narrow a deficit that could top $2 billion in 2009.

The new year is unlikely to bring much relief. State economists warn unemployment will climb higher and housing prices will continue to plummet through the first half of 2009.

Volatile energy prices were the No. 2 story of the year. The topsy-turvy fuel market sent the price of crude soaring to as high as $150 a barrel in July before crashing to $33 this month.

The jump in prices, which soared after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike shuttered Gulf Coast refineries, sparked panic among Georgia drivers. Gas stations advertised fuel at $8 a gallon, while some drivers camped out at gas stations to be first in line for new deliveries.

Georgia's seemingly endless U.S. Senate campaign notched the No. 3 spot.

Residents headed to the polls four times to vote on the Senate contest, beginning with the July primaries and ending with a Dec. 2 runoff when Saxby Chambliss was elected to a second Senate term. The Republican's victory over Jim Martin deprived Democrats of a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority.

The conviction and sentencing of Brian Nichols for a deadly shooting spree that began in the Fulton County Courthouse was the year's No. 4 story.

After more than three years and a tangled trail of legal delays, a jury found Nichols guilty of murder. But it deadlocked over whether he deserves the death penalty, forcing a judge to sentence him to life in prison without parole. Now some legislators are intent on changing the state's death penalty rules.

The stubborn drought still squeezing parts of the state emerged as the No. 5 story of the year. While a soggy December helped elevate most of the region from the epic conditions, much of north Georgia - including devastated Lake Lanier - remains in a "severe" drought.

The No. 6 story was the deadly explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in February near Savannah that killed 14 workers and injured dozens more. Investigators determined the blast was caused by sugar dust that ignited like gunpowder in the plant's storage silos.

The presidential election, which dominated national headlines, was voted the No. 7 story in Georgia. Democrat Barack Obama's campaign recruited thousands of volunteers focused on turning the state blue, but Republican John McCain managed to claim Georgia's 15 electoral votes.

The No. 8 story of the year broke just hours after New Year's Day.

Meredith Emerson was abducted while walking with her dog that day in the north Georgia mountains, and police later found her body. Authorities soon arrested Gary Michael Hilton, who is now serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to her murder.

The Delta Air Lines merger with Northwest Airlines took the No. 9 slot, as the combination made the Atlanta-based carrier the world's largest airline. It completed a remarkable turnaround for Delta, which had filed for bankruptcy in 2005.

Clayton County's education woes was the year's tenth-ranked story. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools revoked the county's accreditation after it failed to meet a range of recommendations. More than 3,200 students have since bolted.

Stories close to making the list included convicted murderer Troy Davis' efforts to get a new trial and avoid execution, a legislative session that again ended in gridlock and an explosion at a Dalton law firm that killed the person responsible and injured four others.

(AP)

Runoff election roundup

U.S. Senate -
Republican Saxby Chambliss re-elected to his Senate seat, defeating
Democratic challenger Jim Martin.

Chambliss 57.4% (1,220,854)
Martin 42.6% (905,637)


Public Service Commission-District 4 --
Republican Lauren McDonald defeats Democrat Jim Powell

McDonald 56.5% (1,129,696)
Powell 43.5% (870,195)


Court of Appeals--
Sara Doyle defeats Mike Sheffield

Doyle 51.8% (883,702)
Sheffield 48.2% (823,462)

Martin says loss was tough

When Jim Martin began his campaign earlier this year he was considered a long shot by analysts. He came is second in the Democratic primary but won the runoff there. The candidacy of Barack Obama buoyed him into another runoff after the general election.

Martin told supporters last night that it was a tough loss.

“For me and my family my campaign and all of you this sad moment.”

But Martin said his race was not in vain. Georgia Democratic party officials say this election season has seen their party re-organized and energized. They hope to make real inroads in the 2010 elections.

Ludacris & Co. Rally for Martin

Martin, flanked by political and musical supporters at the state capitol, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin got a boost from Atlanta's self-declared "hip-hop royalty" on the eve of the runoff race against opponent, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

Veteran Democratic Party officials including Congressman John Lewis, state Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd, and numerous others crowded the stage, taking turns rallying the crowd of several hundred supporters.


Rapper Ludacris called on the crowd to go and vote Tuesday morning for Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin, at a rally on the steps of the capitol, Monday, Dec., 1, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Braving chilly weather, Martin was joined on a stage set up on the steps of the capitol, by a bevy of acclaimed rappers including Ludacris and T.I (Clifford Harris).

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

U.S. Senate candidates' final push today

It is the final push for the Georgia U.S. Senate candidates, with the runoff election ahead tomorrow. Democratic challenger Jim Martin spent weekend time in Macon, Savannah and Columbus. While in Columbus, Martin appealed to veterans who live in the area. Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss attended the Georgia-Georgia Tech football game Saturday in Athens--on Sunday, he appeared on Fox News Sunday to make his national case.

Last night, Chambliss welcomed Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to Georgia with private fundraisers in Atlanta. Today, Chambliss and the former vice presidential candidate will hit four cities in Georgia, starting with Augusta this morning. They'll move to Savannah, Perry, and metro Atlanta afterward. For Martin, he’ll campaign with civil rights leaders in two statewide stops today--Augusta and Macon, and then return to Atlanta with a State Capitol rally alongside hip-hop star Ludacris.

Get all the latest with Georgia election news by going to our website: gpb.org/election

Senate candidates break--only for today

Georgia's runoff election is only days away, but today will be a day of rest and time for family for the two U.S. Senate candidates.

But for Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss and Democratic challenger Jim Martin, both were busy yesterday in the final hours before the holiday. Chambliss was in Gainesville at an event with Zell Miller. The former Governor and Senator had this to say in turning-out to help Chambliss.

"It's a very important election. I don't get out of Young Harris much...it takes a lot to get me over that mountain. It's important."

Miller went on to say this was "a history changing election" and urged a gathering of Republicans to send incumbent Chambliss back to Washington.

In Atlanta yesterday, Jim Martin received the support of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. Martin spokesman Matt Canter on the Democratic challenger’s schedule in these final days.

"We've got one more election left...people know how important it is. Jim Martin certainly wants to take as much time as he can with his family, but he's also traveling the state talking to voters making sure everybody get out to the polls on Tuesday."

Early voting for Georgia's runoff election is now closed. The Secretary of State's website shows over 345,000 registered voters took advantage of the opportunity to cast ballots early.

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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Clinton for Martin, gun lobby for Chambliss on Wednesday

Georgia’s runoff election is ahead in 12 days, and for the candidates, little time to lose on the campaign trail. From Atlanta on the campus of Clark-Atlanta University, a few thousand Democratic supporters braved chilly temperatures in the 40’s to rally for U.S. Senate challenger Jim Martin. Supporters heard from a former president.

"His opponent was elected on a false premise six years ago, and is running on a false premise today"

Bill Clinton fired-up the crowd and looked to make the case of Martin’s ‘campaign for change’ against Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss. As Democrats have drawn to within two seats of a filibuster-proof U.S. Senate, high focus has fallen on the Georgia race. Clinton made that a recurring theme in his 20-minute address.

"We don't need a firewall, we need a bridge. Martin's the bridge, Chambliss is the firewall...this is not rocket science. ...will you put Georgia back on the right path and send a message to the rest of the country about what kind of state this is and what kind of people you are?"

Meanwhile, Chambliss was on the trail Wednesday with stops in Atlanta and Perry. He was alongside the executive VP of the National Rifle Association getting their support. Chambliss says in the wake of the GOP losing the Alaska Senate seat, he’s ready to handle the pressure of this race in Georgia.

"The pressure is always there in campaigns. Certainly it has become much more important with the situation in Alaska developing like it has. It's imperative we win this seat."

Ahead for Chambliss Friday, he’ll get a visit from Mitt Romney, former presidential candidate. Martin on Sunday gets former vice president Al Gore coming to Georgia.

NRA chief stumps for Chambliss

With the U.S. Senate runoff less than two weeks away, the head of the National Rifle Association Wayne LaPierre is in Georgia to stump for Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss.

LaPierre says Chambliss is a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights. LaPierre’s not worried that when Democrats control Congress and the presidency next year gun rights will be curtailed.

"The average, working class Democrat man and woman, working man in this country, rank and file Democrat, strongly supports the Second Amendment and wants their rights defended and don't appreciate politicians attacking it."

Democratic challenger Jim Martin does support Second Amendment rights but with certain limitations for criminals and those with mental illnesses.

LaPierre will join Chambliss tonight for a rally in Perry, Georgia.

Clinton to rally Martin supporters in Atlanta

Another high-profile name drops into the state today to get involved in the U.S. Senate race. Former president Bill Clinton will be in Atlanta this afternoon to headline a rally in support of Democrat Jim Martin. The hotly-contested race between Martin and Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss is leading to the runoff election in 13 days. Ahead on Friday, Chambliss’ camp will get the boost from former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. And on Sunday, more help for Martin arrives in the person of former vice president Al Gore.

Sec'y of State's Office: runoff turnout a wildcard

Muscogee Co. voters waiting at the Columbus Public Library to cast their ballot in the previous round of early voting. (Dave Bender/file)

Early voting for the December 2nd runoff election began today in Fulton Co., a day after polling stations opened across much of Georgia.

Fulton had ballot counting issues in the November fourth elections. Counties must start early voting as soon as their ballots are printed, have until Wednesday to open stations.

Fulton Co. elections officials were unavailable for comment.

Voters are casting ballots for the U.S. Senate race, Georgia State Appeals Court and the Public Service Commission's District 4.

Matt Carrothers with the Secretary of State's office says it's tough to predict turnout numbers in this runoff:

“Historically, turnout is lower in a runoff election. However, this is a unique situation with being in both a presidential election year, and with a us senate race, two other statewide races – we could have higher than usual [turnout].”

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the state races.

Early voting for runoff races begins

Muscogee County voters during early elections at the Columbus Public Library. (Dave Bender/file)

Voters in most Georgia counties began casting ballots in several runoff races today. Dave Bender reports.

At the top of the list is the hotly-contested U.S. Senate runoff race between Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss and Democratic challenger Jim Martin.

Former presidential candidate John McCain and other senior Republican leaders have come out for Chambliss.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee addressed voters in Duluth on Sunday.

Former President Bill Clinton is set to arrive for a Martin rally on Wednesday.

Also in the offing are races for the Georgia State Appeals Court and the Public Service Commission's District 4.

Early voting in Fulton County begins Tuesday.

Fulton County voters go to the polls in the previous round of early voting. (Dave Bender/file)

The runoff is set for December second.

Both Chambliss and Martin are looking for new ways to coax weary Georgia voters back to the polls next month in one of the nation's most hotly contested Senate races.

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Huckabee touts Chambliss, 'Fair Tax'

Former Arkansas Governor and presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee makes a point to the crowd about the Fair Tax as Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, his wife Julianne and Fair Tax officials look on, during a rally at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga., Nov. 16, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee on Sunday backed Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss in the December second runoff against Democrat Jim Martin.

Speaking after a heavily attended rally at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Huckabee says the race's outcome will influence the effect the Republican Party will have on the nation:

“This man stands for the things that, not only Georgians stand for, but most of America, really, stands for. We lose this vote, and we lose the capacity to really stand firm on those issues. This is a critical election for all of us around America who care deeply about things that are important to Georgians.”

Some 2,000 fervent Chambliss and the Fair Tax supporters packed the hall.

Seventh District Congressman John Linder, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Fair Tax supporter Neal Boortz also spoke at the rally.

The proposal would eliminate income tax and the Internal Revenue Service, and put in place a national sales tax instead.

Former President Bill Clinton is due to headline a rally for Martin this coming Wednesday.

Early voting for the race begins Monday.

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Bill Clinton coming to stump for Martin

Chambliss and Martin squared off, along with Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley, at a Georgia Public Television debate on the Sunday before the Nov. 4th elections. (Dave Bender)

Former President Bill Clinton will headline a rally for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Martin in Georgia.

Clinton is the first big name Democrat to stump for Martin in his Dec. 2 runoff battle with Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Republican U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss at a recent press conference at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. (Dave Bender)

Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain lent his star power to a Chambliss rally Thursday and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will stump with Chambliss Sunday.

McCain claimed Georgia's electoral votes on Election Day and Huckabee won the state's Feb. 5 presidential primary.

Clinton won Georgia in his 1992 presidential bid, the last Democrat to carry the state in the race for the White House.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Martin during a recent press conference at his headquarters in Atlanta. (Dave Bender/file)

Martin said Saturday that Clinton - who balanced the budget - would underscore the failures of Republican leadership in Washington when it came to the economy.

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

(AP)

State certifies elections, runoffs

It's official. There will be a runoff election for Georgia's U.S. Senate race. Candidates Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin have been preparing for a re-match, and today the Secretary of State certified all election results from November 4th. The Secretary of State also certified two other runoff elections for the Public Service Commission in District 4 and for the Georgia State Appeals Court. Early voting is next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Advance voting starts November 24th through Wednesday the 26th. The runoff election will be held statewide on December 2nd. For a full list of certified races, click here.

McCain visits Georgia today

With little time to waste, the candidates for the runoff election for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat are going full-speed ahead. This afternoon, former presidential candidate and Arizona Senator John McCain drops into Georgia. He’ll be in Cobb County for an event to support Republican incumbent Senator Saxby Chamblis:

"I'm hoping for two things. Number one, obviously he's going to be a big help in fundraising and getting us the resources to get our message out. Secondly, John's very popular in the state. He carried it by a wide margin from a ballot standpoint. John is a good friend and he's coming here to help us rally the troops and get out the vote."

Meanwhile, as McCain’s visit steals some headlines in today’s news cycle, Democratic challenger Jim Martin wants people to remember this:

"The issue is not between Jim Martin and John McCain. We're both Vietnam veterans...that's not the issue. The issue is Jim Martin vs. Saxby Chambliss. Jim Martin's approach to the economy vs. Saxby economics that's gotten us into this terrible financial crisis."


The runoff election is December 2nd.

US Senate run-off heats up

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin, speaking with Georgia Public Broadcasting at a Veteran's Day parade, in midtown Atlanta. (Dave Bender)

Aides from President-elect Barack Obama’s campaign are coming to Georgia to help Democrat Jim Martin, in his runoff bid against incumbent Senator Republican Saxby Chambliss.

Chambliss will get help from John McCain who’s coming to Georgia on Thursday for a rally.

Democrat Martin says they have no commitment for President-elect Barack Obama to visit Georgia, but he says Obama staffers are coming to help:

“it’s a Georgia race, and we’ll be happy to have people come in and pay us a visit, but this is really about Georgians and who will be the best senator in the United States Senate to represent Georgia.”

Martin says his campaign has 25 field offices.

Chambliss announced yesterday he’s opening ten campaign offices.

Experts say the winner will be the one who’s got the best ground game at getting their voters back to the polls on December second.

Neither candidate got enough the necessary 50-percent plus one of the vote on Election Day.

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Chambliss: re-election sets stage for 2010 race

Senator Saxby Chambliss today warned Georgia House Republicans that his runoff election on December 2nd is the first test of the 2010 election cycle.

Chambliss says last week’s national election results have energized Democrats in Georgia. Republicans, he says, have to hold the line next month.

"If we give them any momentum going into the governor's race and all your races next cycle, how knows where we'll be." Chambliss warned.

"Folks," he continued, " This is the most important election in this cycle."

Chambliss urged House Republicans to help him get re-elected. He said he’ll open 10 office in Georgia in the coming days.

Chambliss was .2 percent short of getting the required 50-percent-plus-one-vote margin.

His challenger Jim Martin got 46.8 percent.

McCain coming to stump for Chambliss

Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley, incumbent Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, Democratic candidate Jim Martin at the GPBTV pre-election debate. (Dave Bender)

Republican presidential candidate John McCain is coming to the aid of incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss in the upcoming runoff vote.

Chambliss campaign officials have confirmed that McCain will come to rally voters here before a December second race against Democratic challenger Jim Martin.

A campaign official says they were nailing down a date for the visit.

Chambliss’ campaign is also trying to cadge an appearance by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

Martin campaign officials say they’re hoping for a visit by President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama had not confirmed an appearance as of Friday.

Neither Chambliss nor Martin got a majority of votes in the November 4^th three-way race with Libertarian Allen Buckley.

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