Run-off updates from around the state ...

It would be easy to think that the contest between Vernon Jones and Jim Martin for US Senate is the only one on the minds of voters this election season, but there are other run-offs around the state.

In the race for the statewide seats: for Senate, District 44, its Democrat against Democrat as incumbent Gail Davenport faces challenger Gail Buckner. Over on the House side, (District 50), Republicans face one another, its Jim Butterworth versus Nancy Schaefer. And, in District 61, Ralph Long, III against Keisha Waites, both Democrats. Finally, in District 93, Democrat Dee Dawkins-Haigler faces another Democrat, Malik Douglas.

GPB will update these numbers throughout the evening as they come in from the Secretary of State's office. Keep in mind that these numbers are unofficial until they are verified by the Secretary of State, on August 11th.

And, remember, throughout this election season, you can stay informed by tuning in to Georgia Public Broadcasting. Whether its by television, on the radio, and on the Net, staying informed is as easy as point and click. Visit us on-line at gpb.org, and click on the elections link to the right of the screen.

Bailout: political hot button issue

The war of words between the candidates for the hotly contested 8th Congressional District seat heats us as the proposed Wall Street bailout package is shaping up to be this election season's political hot potato.

Two days after democrat Jim Marshall said he's willing to lose his seat over his "yes" vote in favor of the $700 billion dollar plan, here's how his Republican rival Rick Goddard responded.

"This is politics. This is pure politics. And, I’m not playing into that game."

Marshall is a self-described conservative democrat, a label Goddard dismisses. What both candidates can agree upon is that something must be done about the current credit crisis.

However, Goddard warns a rush to judgment is perilous.

"This bailout has not been properly vetted in the Congress. It has not gone before committee. Nobody has testified as to the pros and cons. It is a quick knee jerk reaction to the crisis and we don't even know if this will fix the problem."

Jim Marshall is one of just two Georgia House members to support the bailout. The other is Democrat Sanford Bishop of Albany.

State election roundup--UPDATED

U.S. Senate--

Georgia’s U.S. Senate race may indeed be headed for a runoff on December 3rd. The latest numbers as of 8am show Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss has fallen below the 50% plus-1 vote margin to avoid runoff. Chambliss has 49.8% percent of the vote, compared to Democratic challenger Jim Martin's 46.8%. Libertarian Allen Buckley has 3.4% percent. This is with 96% of precincts reporting.

Georgia presidential race--

The 15 electoral votes from Georgia are still in limbo, as absentee and early voting ballots from heavier populated counties are still being counted. John McCain holds the 52.4%, to 46.9% edge on Barack Obama. Meanwhile, across Georgia for state Democrats, there were celebrations into the early morning hours to mark the national victory of Obama as the next president.

U.S. House races--

Around the state yesterday in Georgia’s election, the U.S. House races of note included victories for Jim Marshall in the 8th--the Democrat returns to Washington for a fourth term by getting 57% of the vote over Rick Goddard. Republican Paul Broun keeps his seat in the 10th, with 61% of the vote to defeat Bobby Saxon. Democrat John Barrow won his race in the 12th--66% of the vote to turn away John Stone.

Other races--

The two Public Service Commission races that were contested Tuesday--one may be going to a runoff. The northern District-4 has Democrat Jim Powell with 47.9%, less than a percentage point ahead of Lauren McDonald. In PSC District-1, Republican Doug Everett has won with 67% of the vote to defeat Libertarian John Monds.

Romney ties Martin, Democrats to socialism

Senate candidate Jim Martin with former President Bill Clinton at Clark Atlanta University on Thursday; former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney with Republican incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss at a rally in Atlanta on Friday. (Photos: John Bazemore /AP)

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney lent his support to Sen. Saxby Chambliss on Friday, warning that a victory by the Democratic challenger in next month’s hotly contested runoff could be the first step toward a European brand of socialism.

Romney is the latest in a parade of GOP bigwigs who have flocked to the state in the weeks before the Dec. 2 runoff between Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin. Romney’s criticism is not unlike the line of attack Sen. John McCain used unsuccessfully against Democrat Barack Obama in the campaign for president.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, told a crowd of about 200 cheering supporters that the general election showed that people wanted change in Washington. But the Georgia runoff, he said, could alter the very nature of the country.

"This election is about whether we want to change America. And I want to keep America America," he said to applause.

"I think in this race you have two different men who have two different views. One would take America down the course of becoming like Europe, big taxes and big government," said Romney. Chambliss, he said, "fundamentally believes in keeping America strong and safe and free."

In a brief news conference after the speech, Romney added: "I want to make sure we don’t take a left turn toward Europe."

Martin, a former state legislator, dismissed the ideological labels and stressed his record of bipartisan cooperation.

"I was one of the most effective members of the state House. I worked across party lines, and I’m going to continue to do that in Washington," he said after appearing at a campaign office in Decatur. "I’ve been a person who has always worked to try to solve the problems people face."

The Georgia race, one of two unresolved Senate races, has taken on national significance. The other is in Minnesota, where a re-count will help determine whether Republican Sen. Norm Coleman or Democrat Al Franken is the winner.

Victories in both races would give Democrats the 60 seats needed to fend off Republican filibusters.

The stakes are high, and both parties have rolled out their political heavyweights. McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee both stumped for Chambliss last week, and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to appear next week.

Former President Bill Clinton led a rally for Martin on Thursday and Clinton’s vice president, Al Gore, is set to appear Sunday. About 100 Obama field operatives have been helping boost turnout, and the president-elect recently recorded a radio ad supporting Martin’s campaign.

The national focus has helped the candidates fill their campaign coffers.

Chambliss raised about $1.9 million between Oct. 16 and Nov. 12, and has $1.4 million cash on hand remaining. Martin raised $2.4 million over the same time period, and has more than $600,000 left in the campaign bank.

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

(AP)

Gingrich: No to '08 presidential run

In a quick turn of events, Georgia Republican and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich announced he will not make a run for President. Gingrich told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that an analysis of the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law made clear he could not continue as head of his new American Solutions initiative, while at the same time launch an exploratory committee for the presidency.

Before this weekend decision, Gingrich spoke to GPB Thursday evening, on the charge by some critics that his initiative was serving as an indirect political campaign.

"Nothing that we have done in American Solutions relates to campaigning. Any poll we give out we give out to both the Democrat and Republican party...all of our programs have been open to both the Democrat and Republican party...we've invited both Democrats and Republicans to participate. We've really tried to make this very open and available to anybody".

Gingrich had just made high-profile appearances in support of his American Solutions organization, which held workshops across the nation over the weekend.

Surprise Endorsement, Heated Discussion Marks PSC Race

Shortly after the taping of the Public Service Commission District 4 debate today, a surprise endorsement came for Democratic candidate Jim Powell. Republican Pam Davidson, who herself ran for the District 4 seat, endorsed the Democrat.

Davidson lost by 3 percentage points against current Republican candidate Lauren “Bubba” McDonald during the summer primary. During the campaign, Davidson linked McDonald to the utility industry, saying he had a cozy relationship with executives.

McDonald has repeatedly brushed off the criticism, noting he lowered electric rates during his first term on the PSC between 1998-2002.

In an interview with GPB after the debate, Davidson, an energy lobbyist, said “If you knew what I knew[about his relationship with the industry] you’d have run against Bubba yourself. He's not fit for this job.” Davidson didn't provide specific examples. Davidson also says she doesn’t care about whether the endorsement of a Democrat hurts her political future in the Republican Party or her job as a lobbyist.

During the debate, McDonald pushed back against numerous questions highlighting his ties to the industry. Meanwhile, Jim Powell answered repeated questions about why his residency for the seat is in dispute.

The Public Service Commission District 4 debate will air tonight at 7 p.m. on your GPB T.V. station.

Polls close as Georgia chooses

Polls closed across Georgia Tuesday as voters selected which Democrat will take on Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss in November.

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones is facing off against former state lawmaker Jim Martin in what has been bitter three-week runoff race.

Both candidates predict the contest will hinge on turnout, which was sparse across the state.

Just 18 percent of registered voters made it to the polls in July's primary and elections officials say fewer than half of those voters were expected to return to the ballot box for the runoff.

The last U.S. Senate Democratic primary runoff, in 2004, posted 6 percent turnout.

Jones and Martin were the top vote getters in the five-man Democratic primary three weeks ago. Jones won 40 percent of the vote in that contest and Martin earned 34 percent.

The runoff race has featured a duel over voting histories.

Jones accused Martin of voting against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Martin voted for John Edwards in Georgia's Feb. 5 presidential primary even though the North Carolina Democrat had already withdrawn from the presidential race.

Martin has hammered Jones for voting twice for Republican George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004.

Tuesday's winner will face an uphill climb against Chambliss, who has $4 million in his campaign warchest even after a massive media buy to blanket television airwaves statewide with his first re-election ad. The ad will debut after Tuesday's runoff.

Chambliss on Tuesday sent letters to both Jones and Martin saying he looks forward to debating whoever emerges as his opponent.

"After today's vote, the people of Georgia have a right to know what distinguishes their United States senator from the other candidates," Chambliss wrote. "A crucial part of that process for Georgians will be public debates."

He did not commit to specific debates.

Chambliss sent a similar letter to Libertarian Senate candidate Allen Buckley, also on the ballot in November.

Runoffs are also being held Tuesday night in six legislative races. Three of them are incumbents facing challengers.

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

(The Associated Press)

Macon's mayor may run for Congress

Macon Mayor, Jack Ellis, leaves office in December and now he's eying a seat in Congress.

Ellis has formed a committee so he can start raising money. He also plans to travel around the district to gauge support and talk with potential voters. He says the 8th District needs a "real" democrat.

He made those comments after Congressman Jim Marshall voted against expanding SCHIP, a government program that provides insurance to the working poor.

Ellis recently stirred controversy when he sent a letter of support to Venezuelan dictator, Hugo Chavez. Earlier in the year he converted to Islam and announced plans to change his name to Hakim Mansour Ellis.

If Ellis does run. it will be Marshall's first challenge by a fellow democrat since taking office. Republican Rick Goddard will be running as well.

Obama evokes MLK , seeks 'mandate for change' in Georgia

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Monday he doesn't just want to win the White House -- he wants a mandate. And that includes competing in Georgia, a state that hasn't awarded its delegates to a Democrat in 16 years.

"I intend to win right here in the great state of Georgia," Obama told some 300 donors.

They had paid a minimum of $2,300 apiece and crowded into the upscale Atlanta restaurant 103 West to hear him speak. It was the first of two Atlanta fundraisers the Illinois senator headlined Monday night to stock his campaign warchest for the coming general election battle with Republican John McCain.

Obama evoked the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in his hometown, warning Democrats not to forget "the fierce urgency of now."

"We want a mandate for change and we're not just going to run in the same old states and have just everything hinge on Florida," Obama said.

"We're going to try and transform this political map."

He will host a town hall meeting today on the economy in the GOP stronghold of Cobb County.

Georgia Republicans went on the attack against Obama before he'd even arrived in the state. In a conference call with reporters, Georgia's two U.S. senators -- both Republicans -- blasted the Illinois senator on taxes, gas prices and the war in Iraq.

Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson said Georgians need to know about Obama's voting record, which they allege is out of step with many of the state's conservative voters. The Georgia Republican Party also issued a blistering press release taking aim at Obama's decision to forgo public financing for his campaign, among other things.

There's been talk that Georgia could be up for grabs in the November general election. And in South Carolina, two of Obama's top supporters said Monday he would put paid staff on the ground there, in another break with the recent Democratic strategy of bypassing a GOP-dominated state in the general election.

Isakson predicted Monday that Republican candidate John McCain would carry Georgia. He said the Obama camp is touching down in the state in what will be a futile attempt to engineer a win in Dixie.

"I think they would like nothing better than to crack a Southern state," Isakson said.

Chambliss, who's running for re-election this year, praised Obama for bringing new voters into the process.

"I have to commend him for that," Chambliss said. "But we want to make sure that people understand really how this guy has voted and what he stands for."

A spokesman for the Georgia Democratic Party said it was telling that Republicans launched such a coordinated offensive against Obama.

"Don't let our senators fool you -- Georgia is not as red as they would have you believe," Martin Matheny said.

Obama on Monday also received a plug from Georgia Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Vernon Jones on Monday who praised him for battling in the state unlike some previous Democratic presidential candidates "who wrote the South off."

The last Democrat to carry Georgia in a presidential contest was Bill Clinton in 1992.

Jones' comments came a few days after a mailer from his campaign made waves with the Obama camp. The flier featured a composite picture of Jones and Obama under Obama's signature slogan: "Yes We Can!

The Obama campaign issued a statement which said "despite what this mailer inaccurately suggests, Sen. Obama will not endorse a candidate in the U.S. Senate primary in Georgia." Jones brushed aside such criticism on Monday and said the flier merely shows that he's supporting Obama.

Jones volunteered that he can help Obama.

"For Sen. Obama to win Georgia he's going to need conservative Democrats like myself, obviously that's the great need," Jones said.

GOP leader: Chambliss in 'fight of his life'

Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, talking with reporters about his election prospects and his Wall Street bailout vote at a press conference at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Oct 2, 2008. (file/Dave Bender)

This central-Georgia military town outside Robins Air Force Base should be a cakewalk on Election Day for Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss. But ask people here if they support him and one finds surprising ambivalence, even hostility.

The mood has changed so much in recent weeks that Georgia Republican Party Chairwoman Sue Everhart says Chambliss is in "the fight of his life."

"I think he will win," Everhart said prior to Georgia's GOP Victory Dinner in Atlanta last Tuesday. "But not by the large margin we expected early on."

Once considered a safe bet for re-election to a second term, Chambliss suddenly appears vulnerable amid a wave of anti-incumbent frustration and economic turmoil.

"I think everybody is just so totally dissatisfied with what's going on in Washington now that we feel like you probably can't get much worse, so you might as well try somebody new," said Jean Hammock, a longtime Republican who listens daily to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.

His newly troubled candidacy is giving Democrats visions of approaching a 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority in next month's election, instead of just the four or five seats they had expected to take from Republicans. Democrats control the Senate 51-49.

Chambliss' "yes" vote for the $700 billion financial package earlier this month is the latest in a series of positions that haven't sat well with the conservatives who make up his base. He also faces a potential surge of newly registered Democratic voters excited about Barack Obama's presidential campaign, and a general anti-Republican sentiment after eight years of the Bush administration.

Without question, Georgia remains a GOP stronghold, and Chambliss is still favored over Democrat Jim Martin. The state supported President Bush with 58 percent of the vote four years ago. Martin would need impressive turnout — and perhaps a strong assist from Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley — to win.

But recent polls show Chambliss with a modest lead, but the race tightening. And Democrats relish the possibility of revenge against the man who, in a 2002 campaign ad, criticized Democratic Sen. Max Cleland's commitment to national security even though Cleland lost three limbs in the Vietnam War. Chambliss defeated Cleland with 53 percent of the vote.

Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, head of the Democrats' Senate campaign committee, said Martin and Chambliss are virtually tied, even in polls that Schumer believes don't fully capture Obama's effect on African-American and young voters.

"We're doing extremely well in places we didn't expect to do well," said Schumer. "Georgia was a surprise to us."

The Democratic committee, however, still doesn't list the state as a battleground, and so far hasn't put much money into the race. Schumer declined to say whether it will run ads in Georgia as it has in other competitive races. Georgia is "a state we're taking a very close look at," he said.

Martin has been running television ads throughout the state but trails Chambliss in fundraising. The Democrat has stepped up his attacks in recent days, criticizing Chambliss for his bailout vote and loyalty to Bush.

Chambliss said he always predicted the race would be tight. He knew he had not endeared himself to conservatives by supporting a compromise immigration package that drew him boos at a state GOP function last year and, more recently, championing a bipartisan energy measure criticized by Limbaugh and other conservative commentators.

He also was well aware of the political risks of supporting the bailout package. But he said Congress had little choice but to respond and try to contain economic losses. He's hoping sharp market declines in recent days will strengthen his case that action was urgently needed.

The senator downplayed suggestions that the bailout vote would make or break him.

"I've cast hundreds and hundreds of votes over the last 14 years," Chambliss, a former House member, told reporters before the GOP Victory dinner in Atlanta. "To say any one is going to cost me the election, that's just not the case."

At least one self-described lifelong Republican thinks otherwise. Ron Davis of Dallas, Ga., said he was so infuriated by Chambliss' bailout vote that he set up a Web site http://www.FireSaxby.com

"I never really followed politics closely. This was a wake-up call to me," the 31-year-old information technology administrator said.

Davis said he'll vote for Buckley in November, adding that GOP friends in his neighborhood are also disillusioned with Chambliss.

"I think he should be worried," Davis said.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB News political coverage.

Barrow throws support to Obama

Another Georgia Democrat has thrown his support behind presidential candidate Barack Obama. Representative John Barrow of Savannah is the third state Democrat this month to do so. Barrow says Obama has shown he can work with people of both parties, and he's the best choice for bringing the nation together.

Barrow narrowly won re-election last year and has been a key target for Republicans since winning his seat in 2004. He also has a Democratic superdelegate vote.

Barrow's announcement comes just after that of Representative John Lewis, who confirmed this week his switch of support from Hillary Clinton to Obama.

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.

Click here for GPB News election coverage.

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.

Baker To Run For Governor

Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker is entering the 2010 Governor's Race. Baker, a Democrat, served for twelve years as Attorney General. Former Democratic governor Zell Miller first appointed Baker to the position. Previously, Baker served as Miller's floor leader in the House of Representatives.

Baker is the first African American to hold the position of Attorney General in Georgia. He's the second Democrat to enter his party's primary.

That primary is expected to become more crowded. Former Governor Roy Barnes is speculated to want his job back, while current House Minority Leader Dubose Porter is also expected to run for the position.

They would join former Georgia Air Guard Commander and Lieutenant General David Poythress.

Politics: Thomas not "going with the flow" in Barrow challenge

Savannah State Senator Regina Thomas has thrown local Democrats for a loop. The outspoken Senator is trading in the Gold Dome to run for Congress. Her primary opponent is an incumbent Democrat in a highly competitive district. Her campaign threatens to divide Democrats in a district that routinely sees squeaker outcomes in November.

Thomas is known for her frank, independent style and her hats. She was wearing a bright, orange colored hat with a blue blazer when GPB interviewed her for this story . But it's not her hats causing a stir in Savannah politics these days. It's her decision to run against U.S. Congressman John Barrow in the July primary.

"There have been so many people who've said, 'We don't have a choice. This person wasn't my choice, but there was nobody else there. And I didn't go to vote at all because there wasn't a choice,'" Thomas says. "So now the people have a choice."

For some local Democrats, that choice leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Barrow's district, the sprawling 12th, has been a tough one for Democrats to hold. It's one of the few competitive Congressional districts in the nation. And Karen Arms, the chairman of the Chatham County Democratic Party, says that's why she wishes Thomas were running somewhere else.

"Probably not particularly good, would be my feeling," Arms says. "It's just a waste of a good Democrat because they're both excellent Democratic candidates. It seems a waste to have them going against each other instead of going against a Republican."

Thomas could give Barrow a tough run. The 12th district is about 40% African-American, but the primary could be up to 60% African-American. University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock says, Thomas, a member of the state legislative black caucus, will be counting on that support in her race against Barrow, who is white. Bullock says, the challenge could hurt Barrow in November.

"At minimum, he's going to have to spend considerable resources, both money and his time campaigning," Bullock says. "You know often, in the course of primaries, things come out that might then be used by the opposing party come November."

For the moment, Republicans seem to be focused more on their own campaigns to gloat about dueling Democrats. At least three have announced bids. Savannah political consultant Dave Simons say, while Thomas is a strong candidate, she doesn't have the financial resources or name recognition outside of Savannah as John Barrow.

"The good news for John is that he's got $1.3 million cash on hand," Simons says. "He's got the 'I' behind his name for 'Incumbent.' And he's already got a district-wide network established."

And that could be bad news for Democrats if Thomas wins the primary. Democrats held the seat two years ago by just under 9-hundred votes.

"I think Democrats are putting that out, I really do," Thomas responds. "I think the Democrats are saying, 'That's exactly what the Republicans want. They want her to come out, beat him in the primary so they can beat her in November. That's not going to happen. I'm in it to win it."

Thomas remains as frank and independent as ever, in this battle, as in fights of the past. She bucked Democratic leaders over natural gas deregulation and redistricting five years ago. And she seems intent on doing it again in this race, although she insists her run isn't about Barrow.

"So many politicians go around. They have their money. They have their big backers and their big supporters and everybody wants to go with the flow," Thomas says. "Well then there comes a Regina Thomas, who says, 'I'm not just going along to get along.'"

For his part, Congressman Barrow says, he's going to keep on doing what he's always been doing. A statement says, the Congressman is currently focused on health care, the price of gasoline and student loans.

Judge says Democrat can serve office

A Fulton County judge has ruled that Democrat Jim Powell's name can stay on the ballot in November. Judge Wendy Shoob's ruling Thursday reversed the decision by Georgia's top elections official to disqualify Powell from the election.

Secretary of State Karen Handel's office said it "strongly disagreed" with the decision and that it may appeal. Powell was disqualified from the race for a seat on Georgia's Public Service Commission days before the July primary on grounds that he doesn't meet residency requirements. A judge later ruled Powell's name could remain on the ballot. He earned more than 330,000 votes and easily defeated opponent Bob Indech.

Handel's office dismissed accusations that politics were involved in the decision. Powell has called it "dirty politics at its worst."

(Associate Press)

Gingrich launches initiative amid rumors

Georgia Republican and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich kicked-off his new initiative last night in Cobb County. Called "American Solutions for Winning the Future", it plans to focus on problems such as healthcare, immigration and national security in workshops across the nation this weekend.

This however, comes as rumors swirl as to a possible presidential run by Gingrich. Some critics have suggested that his advocacy group is an indirect political campaign. Matt Towery heads the political website 'Insider Advantage'. He's a former Gingrich political aide.

"I think if he gets into the race he's going to be criticized for using this as a stepping stone, and it's something he's going to have to deal with. I don't think it would be fatal to him. I didn't think it was the smartest thing in the world, but yet at the same time it has created a lot of buzz".

Gingrich spoke to GPB last night about the charge put forth by critics.

"Nothing that we have done in American Solutions relates to campaigning. Any poll we give out we give out to both the Democrat and Republican party...all of our programs have been open to both the Democrat and Republican party...we've invited both Democrats and Republicans to participate. We've really tried to make this very open and available to anybody".

Gingrich has mentioned a number of 30-million dollars in pledges needed to fuel a jump into the presidential fray, and summed up his chances of getting into the race.

"I think the odds are probably 20-percent that we'll get pledges of 30-million dollars, and 80-percent that we won't. I'm pretty comfortable with that...I would have told you a month ago I thought it was 5-percent we would get it and 95-percent we wouldn't. So it has actually in my mind moved a fair distance in the last six weeks".

Gingrich said this is not about any ambition on his part, but about a citizen movement for change, and he’d be willing to be their candidate with enough support.

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)

Legislative Day 39 … from the Senate

GUNS ON MARTA, AT YOUR LOCAL EATERY

In a late night flurry Wednesday, lawmakers in the senate approved a gun control bill after a lengthy and sometimes heated debate over gun control. HB 257 had been tabled earlier in the day after Democrats failed to attach an amendment that would have required local university to establish emergency procedures, in order to avoid another Virginia Tech-like situation, where a lone gunman killed several students and faculty. The measure passed in the Senate expands where licensed gun owners with a conceal weapons permit, may carry their guns. In the end, any gun owner licensed to carry a concealed weapon may take their gun into any publicly owned and operated facility like, metro-Atlanta’s MARTA system. The measure also allows those with conceal carry permits to take their guns into restaurants which serve alcohol, as long as gun owner don’t drink. However, some lawmakers questioned whether restaurants can exert such control. The National Rifle Association along with Georgia’s gun enthusiasts have long been trying to loosen the state’s gun laws. Those efforts were rewarded when the House passed a similar measure earlier in the session. However, one group opposed to the bill expressed disappointment, saying lawmakers have ignored the concerns of everyday Georgians. Alice Johnson is with Georgians for Gun Safety. “And so instead, they will make policy … at least in this chamber … they’ll make policy on firearms and community by listening to the folks who are the most adamant and scary.” The bill passed in the Senate 37 to 17. It now goes back to the House for consideration on the Senate floor amendments.

IS THERE TIME FOR TAX REFORM?

House lawmakers expressed frustration with the Senate today after the Lieutenant Governor shot down the House's efforts to compromise on tax reform. The State House was willing to give the Senate income tax reform, if the Senate would give them a cut on car taxes. But Lt. Gov Casey Cagle (R.) blocked the measure before the Senate could even vote on it. That angered House Majority Leader Jerry Keene (R.) Keene said in the end, both chambers will have to own up to Georgia Voters.

"When we finish, they don't know if it was this person's bill or that person's bill, its just what we got done. It doesn't make anyone look good - it makes all of us, as Republicans, look like we can't get our job done," said Keen.

Keen says the time for tax reform in Georgia is running out as Friday is the only day left in the session.

PARTIAL LIST OF SENATE STUDY COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS CREATED DURING THIS 2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION:

• Sexual Exploitation of Minors
  
• Georgia MethCheck Data Base
  
• Daylight Saving(s) Time
  
• Fleeing and Law Enforcement Pursuits
• Biodiesel Fuel Study Committee
• Victim’s Rights Study Committee
• Children’s Mental Health in Georgia
  
• Prior Approval and Prescription Drugs
  
• Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Disease Services

DEMOCRATIC PROCESS THWARTED?
In the past few days, the state Senate has voted to “engross” nearly two dozen bills, all related in some way to sales and use tax. Usually, a lawmaker will vote to engross a block of bills, rather than one by one. Engrossing a bill prevents debate from the floor on the measure. Democrat David Adelman from Decauter took the podium to say, preventing debate lessens the democratic process. “Whether we vote one time today, or whether we vote the half dozen or more times as we did yesterday. There are 56 Senators in this Chamber and each should be given an opportunity to improve the legislation, especially during these very critical last few days." Eighteen other Senators joined Adelman opposing engrossing the sale tax bills, nearly all Democrats.

SENATE URGES WITHDRAWAL FROM INT'L PARTNERSHIP
The state Senate today voted to urge President George W. Bush to retreat from a multilateral economic pact with Mexico and Canada. Already a handful of states have written the President urging immediate withdrawal from the 2005 Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, designed to promote free trade between the three nations. It’s modeled on the European Union, formed in 1993, encompassing 27 nations. State Senator Nancy Schaefer says such an alignment with our national neighbors to the north and south will likely result in a loss of American identity. The Republican is running for the U-S Congressional seat once held by the late Charlie Norwood. “It’s not about prosperity, it’s about the loss of the United States’ sovereignty, the loss of our independence and our way of life. To end 332 years of sovereignty, including our God given principles handed down to us by our founding fathers would be tragic.” The resolution passed in the Senate by a vote 29 to 19.

WILLIE OTIS “PETE” WILLIAMS
The Senate today voted to pay Willie ‘Pete’ Williams 1.2 million dollars, after DNA evidence proved Williams not guilty of a 1985 rape. A similar measure has already passed in the House of Representatives. Williams was 23 years old in 1985 when he was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Mistaken eyewitness identification sealed Williams' fate. And, although offered early parole, Williams refused to plead guilty to the crimes. In January 2007, the Georgia Innocence Project used DNA evidence to exonerate Williams. Another man, already in jail for rape, was tried and convicted for the same crime that sent Williams to jail. Since 2005, five men have been exonerated and released from Georgia's prison as a result of DNA evidence. The bill now goes to Governor Sonny Perdue for his signature.

SO-CALLED "ANTI-IMMIGRANT" MEASURE TABLED
Senator John Wiles (R-Marietta) was forced to table a bill some have called anti-Latino because it would have given police the power to seize cars from illegal immigrants, stopped by any law enforcement official. The bill would have also allow police to impound the cars of anyone caught driving without a license, illegal or not. Wiles withdrew his bill after fellow Republicans questioned whether or not the law would catch legal Georgians, innocent of intentionally breaking the law. For example, a farmer driving his tractor who may not have his license with him when stopped, or a child forced to drive her parent to the hospital in an emergency. Opponents of the bill say it unfairly targets Spanish speaking individuals.

SENATE APPROVES CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION
Today, the state Senate approved the creation of a seven-member charter school commission. The commission’s job … reconsider applications from charter schools, that have already been rejected by local school boards. Republicans say charter schools are a necessary alternative to students in low performing school districts. However, Democrats say the measure reduces the power of both local school boards, and that of the state board of education. Democrat Vincent Fort represents parts of Atlanta. He calls the multi-layered review process unnecessary and opposes the bill. “It is an issue of yes, local control. Aren’t your local boards of education maintained and retained, the responsibility, the duty, the constitutional charge for their school systems? That is the question here that we face. What in effect is happening is, the local system’s decision is advisory. The local boards of education that are elected by the people are reduced to making advisory recommendations to a state commission.” Local officials have continually opposed the measure because it takes state money away from their schools, although the schools will retain any federal and local monies. The measure passed in the Senate by a vote of 29 to 18. It now heads back to the House for consideration because of differences with a similar version passed there.

U.S. Senate race tightens

Senator Saxby Chambliss began the senate race with arsenal of advantages. Besides the fact he’s a Republican incumbent in a red state, he had a war chest of 10 million dollars and a nine point lead on his Democrat challenger Jim Martin.

But now independent polls show Martin trailing Chambliss by two points in one poll and just one point in another.

Political expert Charles Bullock at the University of Georgia says that’s real close especially when you consider the margin of error. Bullock says a slight shift like the black vote could help tip the scales. “African Americans will vote 90 to 95 percent for Democrats," says Bullock. "The extent to which these new voters get mobilized and get out to vote, and we see a very high rate of African Americans voting early... That’s not good news for Saxby Chambliss.”

Bullock says what’s happening in the senate race is part of a broader national trend favoring Democrats which is turning red states like Georgia pink. He also attributes recent poll results to Chambliss’s yes vote for the unpopular senate bailout bill. It had the senator at odds with all Republican house members in the state.

Chambliss and Martin's first formal debate is this Thursday at the Georgia state fair in Perry.