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DEL.ICIO.USChambliss ‘in campaign mode,’ Martin asks Obama for help
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With votes still trickling in, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss on Wednesday refused to concede that he’d been thrown into a U.S. Senate runoff — but acknowledged he was now “in full campaign mode.”
Meanwhile, Democrat Jim Martin has already reached out to the campaign of Barack Obama, wanting a little help from the president-elect in the form of a visit.
The pair held dueling press conferences shortly before noon.
“We’re in a runoff. The runoff race begins right now,” Martin said from downtown Atlanta.
Chambliss was at his Cobb County office. “I think the next four weeks are going to be highly interesting and highly competitive,” he said.
The GOP senator said he didn’t know how many votes are outstanding. Said Chambliss’ chief strategist, Tom Perdue: “We’re taking what we got overnight and going with it.”
Currently, Chambliss has 49.9 percent of the vote, according to Secretary of State Karen Handel. He needs 50 percent plus one to escape a runoff.
Martin now has 46.7 percent. Libertarian Allen Buckley won a crucial 3.4 percent of Tuesday’s vote.
Chambliss expressed disappointment in Republican voting strength on Tuesday. “There was great turnout in early voting. Frankly, I think it was fairly evident that there was not the expected turnout yesterday that a lot of folks thought would be there,” he said.
“Voter fatigue” with the presidential race, and the bitterness of the final weeks of the Senate campaign could have been among the reasons, he said.
“Certainly, everybody in Georgia was ready to get this race over with. It’s been the longest presidential campaign in my memory. And I do think the tone of the campaign probably may have even turned a lot of people off,” he said.
Who might come to Georgia to help campaign for him remains undecided. But national Republican organizations have already promised hefty financial support.
On Tuesday, Democrats increased their majority in the U.S. Senate to 56, with Chambliss’ race and two others still in question.
Comments
By I VOTED!!!!
November 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
I will do whatever it takes to make sure Georgians remember how Chambliss treated Cleland - a real hero. Martin is a very good person and will make a fine Senator. He will work with Isakson for all Georgians, not just the priviledged few. Signing up to volunteer!
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Even without his disgraceful conduct re: Cleland, Saxby’s performance has been shameful and corrupt.
Why are people even considering voting for this Chambliss loser AGAIN?
By CK9
November 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jim Martin will prove the same thing Barack Obama proved last night—yes we can.
By ron
November 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Please let me know where to send money Jim.
By AD
November 5, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
If by working for Georgians you mean Jim Martin will continue to remain ignorant on issues such as the fairtax or flat out lie about them, I can’t wait for him to lose in a runoff.
By engineerGA
November 5, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
I voted for Buckley. Why? Because Chambliss needed a wake-up call. He’s been ignoring his constituents long enough. He has been in lockstep with Bush on voting for this bailout garbage, “immigration reform” (amnesty for lawbreakers), and more. He even gloated about showing “leadership” when going against the will of Georgians on the bailout and “making a tough decision.” Wake up, Saxby, and start listening to us again!
Will I vote for Saxby in the runoff? Certainly. Why? Jim Martin flat out lied about the Fair Tax and made it seem like an extra 26% tax on groceries in his ads. If he’s that big of a liar, we don’t need him. Plus, the last thing the Senate needs is even more of a Democrat majority to go along with the Democrat President and House majority.
I’ll be holding my nose and voting for Saxby. If he doesn’t shape up, I’ll be voting for his opponent in 6 years - you better believe that.
By Zeep
November 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Ron, Here’s where to contribute to Jim: https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=NqjXO81IXYZntPaqXypreP1LqSo0CHUy
By engineerGA
November 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
I voted for Buckley. Why? Because Chambliss needed a wake-up call. He’s been ignoring his constituents long enough. He has been in lockstep with Bush on voting for this bailout garbage, “immigration reform” (amnesty for lawbreakers), and more. He even gloated about showing “leadership” when going against the will of Georgians on the bailout and “making a tough decision.” Wake up, Saxby, and start listening to us again!
Will I vote for Saxby in the runoff? Certainly. Why? Jim Martin flat out lied about the Fair Tax and made it seem like an extra 26% tax on groceries in his ads. If he’s that big of a liar, we don’t need him. Plus, the last thing the Senate needs is even more of a Democrat majority to go along with the Democrat President and House majority.
I’ll be holding my nose and voting for Saxby. If he doesn’t shape up, I’ll be voting for his opponent in 6 years - you better believe that.
By Sissy Saxby
November 5, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Sissy Saxby questioned the courage of Max Cleland. But he didn’t have the courage to vote against George W. Bush on Immigration Amnesty, the Wall Street Bailout or the mismanaged war.
By rural
November 5, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Chambliss best chance for a victory was to win the race outright. Now with it headed to a runoff, you will see every democratic senator from Mark Warner of Virginia to Mark Udall of New Mexico sumping for martin before the dec. 2 runoff & expect Obama & Biden to appear here as well as the clintons.
By koala
November 5, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Max Cleland — a hero? Are you kidding. You gotta be out of your mind, “I VOTED!!” Cleland blew himself up while high/drunk in Vietnam. He wasn’t even injured in REAL COMBAT. He dropped a grenade while horsing around. He’s a flunkie pretending to be a veteran. Get a grip. But then you’re a fool socialist lemming, so what can I expect…
By Bruce becker
November 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Only 64% of the USA population voted.
Its time for the young to get involved and end the Chambliss candidacy in defeat.
Learn what the candidates stand for and VOTE MARTIN.
The nation needs every senator to support the president. Chambliss is going to filibuster (talk about nothing) to hold up the Congress and stop the projects that will put Americans back to work. The ideology of the GOP doesnt work for America. Chairman Greenspan admitted that his ideology allowed the mortgage crisis.
Now that computers can mechanize complex work, we need to keep what work we can in the USA.
Jobs leave when companies are able to get people in Vietnam to do the same work for less. There is nothing to stop accountants from shipping all our work to foreign countries if Chambliss is re-elected. Obama wants to change the tax code to encourage corporations in America keep their work in America. Elect Martin. Tell your friends to vote. Plan voting outings. Do what it takes.
By Change is coming
November 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Koala, you are 1 sick-o…Cleland’s heroics are well documented. Saxby will get voted out & deserves to be out of office for hatred he spewed about highly decorated combat veteran Max Cleland who served our country with honor.
By 5 student deferment Saxby
November 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
koala is a COWARD LIAR just like Socialist Sissy Saxby,—Max Cleland could whip both of you cowards sitting down!
By Harvey
November 5, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
That comment about Max Cleland “blowing himself up” was certainly written by an arm chair hero who’s closest contact with combat is watching a John Wayne movie. I am a combat veteran of the same war, and that chicken sh— comment is about as offensive a thing as I’ve ever heard (except, of course, draft dodger Saxby maligning Max’s military service). Hey, you should have been there, you’d have made a heck of a soldier. As for the “socialist” tag, what is more socialist than the farm subsidy program Saxby supports so strongly?
By Hopeful
November 5, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Most (if not all) the “fair tax” commericals were not financed by Martin’s campaign and he had not control over them. Hopefully in the run-off he will be able to get the message straight so people can vote with all the facts. With that said, Saxby is going down…
By Enough Saxby
November 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
A runoff? Great, another chance for Georgia to embarrass itself before the rest of the nation. Because we seem to favor do-noting order takers in our statewide politicians, we can look forward to another 6 years of Sen. Chambliss on the missing persons list.
Has any US Senator made their presence less known than Saxby has? I have yet to see him appear on any sunday morning news show, on any piece of legislation, or on any agenda beyond the nebulous concept of “Georgia Values”, that he espoused this campaign. What are the Georgia Values of which he speaks? Judging by his actions the last 6 years, I would conclude he is referring to Do-Nothingism, Stand-Stillness, and No-Sponsorship - all qualities we discriminating Georgians want represented to the rest of the country, right?
While the rest of the country has at last showed some maturity in who it sends to Washington, you can be certain that with the re-election of Chambliss, Georgia will remain sufficiently on the sidelines when it comes to seizing opportunity to direct our future. Chambliss is like a ballplayer who was finally called up to the major leagues, but decided he would rather sit on the bench than start in the lineup.
A state which once referred to itself as “Empire of the South”, signifying a ray of light in a region otherwise cast deep in shadow, Georgia has fallen steadily backwards. As a state, we are no longer a symbol of progress, but a case of Has-Beens that once had a chance at becoming a leader, but gave up too easily to wallow in deluded self-admiration. The next time you hear some state politician use the phrase “Great State of Georgia”, ask yourself, what Greatness is such that it must be constantly reminded in speech and phrase and print.
No single election can change our destination by itself. But if we are ever to change, it must start somewhere. Would a state that is truly Great be represented by a Saxby Chambliss?
By dave
November 5, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Cleland ” a real hero?” - what did Max do that made him a hero, other than serve in RVN?
By Don
November 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Martin air a honest comercial about the 23% increase in tax. He lead a devious campagn and was not forthright.
If his advertisements were so deceptive what makes you think he will not be deceptive in office.
Saxby supports the fair tax and not one ad metioned that he wants ot do away with the IRS and other taxes to implement this.
By watermelons
November 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Three words: National Watermelon Month
By From Cobb County
November 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
I have always voted Republican until yesterday. Chambliss is simply not the guy I want to represent me in the senate. His “best friend” Johnny Isakson lacks any real moral direction or understanding of Georgians conservative values…so I guess I will either stay at home or vote Martin in the run-off.
By Jeff H
November 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Georgians need to turn out in force as well as provide financial support for Chambliss. I don’t have anything against Martin, but we need to prevent any one party from having to much power again. We need divided government and to make sure the Republicans can fillabuster crazy legislation sure to come from the House of Pelosi/Obama.
By Fernando
November 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
” What Greatness is such that it must be constantly reminded in speech and phrase and print”? The same “greatness” of the “Grand Old Party.”
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Anybody opposed to the Fair Tax scam gets my vote.
Anybody dumb enough to support it is too dangerously stupid to hold office.
By copyright
November 5, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
“Anybody opposed to the Fair Tax scam gets my vote.
Anybody dumb enough to support it is too dangerously stupid to hold office. “
You sir must be an idiot. The FairTax would save this country. Power back to the people and out of the hands of lobbyists.
You need to wake up.
Billions of dollars are spent by tourists in this country every year and $0.00 of that gets to the federal government. same goes for those living underground and drug dealers.
You are a moron!
By blah blah blah blah blah blah
November 5, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
“The FairTax would save this country.”
Do you actually believe sending Chambliss back for another term will really result in your flat tax scheme becoming policy? He’s already been in the senate for 6 years, and what does he have to show for it? You can’t name one material benefit to Georgia from Chambliss’ first term.
Chambliss can talk about the flat tax all he wants, but that’s all that will ever come of it - talk.
In another six years, you’ll be making the same argument - “we need to send Saxby back to Washington to get us a flat tax and save us from those liberals and their bloated government spending.”
And you’re telling other people to wake up…
By fffff uuuu tongue speakers
November 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
if your gawg is so righteuos how could he allow a n**** to win… after u crawl of ur kin off urself u sick southern pricks eat sheat and deiae the reality of true luv/jesus/ will sed ur dumb asses to hell faster then ur ford/chevy piece of sheat
By Sissy Saxby
November 5, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
koala, shame on you. Republicans have been spreading those lies about Max Cleland’s war injury for years. A story a few years ago explained exactly what happened - another soldier accidently dropped a grenade, and Cleland picked it up and tried to throw it out of harm’s way. He certainly didn’t do it to protect himself - he did it to protect his brothers in arms. For Sissy Saxby to question that man’s “courage” was beyond shame, and for you to repeat such a slanderous lie about what happened is also.
By whitepimplebutt
November 5, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
is ok the dumb white man stell ned reprosentation sacbee reprosents dumb silver spoon white men, and hey thats ok 4 he is a part of representative democrocsee right churchswill, or are u in line collecting food stamps u rascit piece of white trash hell yeah to the victor
By Big Money
November 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Hey, can Saxby get Debbie Honeycutt to give him a few million? She spent nearly $5 million to lose by the same margin as 2006. That starved a lot of good Republicans!
By Saxby Chambliss LIER
November 6, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this
saxby, and the policies he supported… saxby blame saxby!!!
do you think that “IF” he goes back, he will remember what going against his own party, and the people that elected him, got him???
saxby’s actions snatched defeat, or at least a runoff, from the jaws of victory!
saxby, here are your clues:
you are a republican you rely on replublicans to get elected you screwed them! you expected them to forget! what did you forget?
look up!
many of the folks here want to say… his stance on immigration, drilling, bailout should be ignored… NO WAY!!!
it called taking responsibility for your own actions!
if he voted like the republican he is supposed to be… he wouldn’t be in this mess!!! he would have won!!!
By Tom Becker
November 6, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this
Saxby is the poster child of what’s wrong with America. Grey haired men is dark suits and red ties who have no talent for office but who make a great puppet for whoever will pay them.
It’s a new era. Out with the old.
In with the Gnu.
Yes, the Gnu. Look for him. He’s coming.
THE GNU!
By Harvey
November 6, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
“Draft dodger” used to be an ugly name until they grew up to be Republican politicians. What did Max do other than serve in RVN? Max was Special Forces, a group not known to avoid a fight. Jez, what else do you have to do? Oh, yes, fly a training plane in the air national guard. Forget politics, minimizing combat service, Max Cleland’s or John Kerry’s, is offensive to all veterans.