National figures push two Senate campaigns

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will fly into town next week. Former Republican New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani showed up Tuesday, as did Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who urged college students to “make history.”

With just a week until the Dec. 2 vote, a whirlwind of political activity has begun to swirl around Georgia’s closely watched U.S. Senate runoff between incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Moultrie and Atlanta Democrat Jim Martin.

The runoff has become a focus of post-Nov. 4 U.S. politics as Democrats push for a 60-vote, filibuster-proof “super majority” in the upper chamber. They now have 58 seats, with only Senate races in Georgia and Minnesota to be decided. Republicans have vowed to hold Chambliss’ seat at all costs.

The resulting showdown has brought an ongoing parade of political big shots to Georgia, along with hundreds of volunteers and millions of dollars, much of it burned up on TV attack ads from both campaigns.

“We’ve got to make sure we don’t give [U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada)] and [U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)] and the Democrats in Washington, D.C., a blank check,” Giuliani said during a Tuesday afternoon news conference at Chambliss’ Cobb County headquarters. “If we give them a blank check, they will sign that check and be taking money out of our pockets.”

As Giuliani spoke, Brazile addressed about 75 students and teachers at a get-out-the-vote rally at Spelman College sponsored by that institution’s Young Democrats club.

“You have a great responsibility to make history next week,” Brazile said. “To send someone [to the Senate] who will be your voice, your champion, who will carry your water.”

Brazile called Martin someone who would represent average people —- “not just those who show up at the golf course.”

The big news of the day was Palin’s planned four-stop visit to Georgia on Monday, the day before the election. The Republican vice presidential contender will appear at Chambliss campaign stops in Augusta, Perry, Savannah and Atlanta. The Atlanta rally is planned for 4 p.m., with a location still to be decided.

Lambasted by the left and some on the right, Palin is considered a rising GOP star by many conservatives. She and former Republican presidential contender U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) carried Georgia by 200,000 votes on Nov. 4.

Martin’s campaign has invited President-elect Barack Obama to come to Georgia for Martin, but so far Obama has only recorded a radio ad and an automated “robo call” for his fellow Democrat.

Brazile said she didn’t recommend that Obama make a special trip for the contest.

“I think President-elect Obama is doing what he must do and what he needs to do —- it’s to focus on his transition,” she said. “He has 56 days. He has many challenges.”

Like Bill Clinton and Al Gore —- who already campaigned for Martin in metro Atlanta —- Brazile said Georgians should vote for Martin to assure Obama’s success in Congress.

“We don’t need a firewall,” she said. “We need a bridge builder. President-elect Obama needs one more vote in the United States Senate.”

Giuliani repeated earlier warnings from McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who have come to the state for Chambliss. Republicans contend that Chambliss is vital to prevent a “rubber stamp” Congress for Obama that will take the country too far to the left.

“We need you. The whole country needs you and Georgia needs you,” Giuliani said to Chambliss as two dozen first responders stood nearby.

Giuliani praised Chambliss as a strong proponent of law enforcement and a leader in anti-terror efforts in his position on the Senate Intelligence Committee. He blasted Democratic leaders for proposing to cut military spending by 25 percent, which he said would be a “catastrophe” in a time of war.

“Let’s make sure the people of Georgia get out and vote,” Giuliani said. “Let’s make sure they don’t take this election for granted.”