Today marks four weeks until Election Day, and the final day to register to vote in order to participate. So we thought it was a good opportunity to step back and give four thoughts on the state of play for Georgia's heated governor and U.S. Senate races.
1. The governor's race is proving to be closer than the Senate race. A series of polls have shown the governor's race within the margin of error, while Republican David Perdue has a small but steady edge in the Senate contest. Jason Carter has mounted a spirited run and the middling job numbers have given him fresh ammo. But Gov. Nathan Deal is using the powers of incumbency to his advantage.
2. Outside money is drying up in Senate race. Million dollar-plus television buys from Emily's List and the National Republican Senatorial Committee ended in mid-September, and the money from Super PACs and the national parties has largely gone elsewhere on the map. Democrat Michelle Nunn might need to show movement in the polls in order to convince the cavalry to come to her aid, with so many tight races out there to decide which party controls the Senate next year.
3. The debates, starting today in Perry, give an opportunity to shift the playing field. Though the audiences for the televised debates are not huge, candidate stumbles can be replayed over and over again (think: Rick Perry's "oops"). Look for the campaigns to try to manufacture such moments from their foes - especially given the unpredictable and rowdy nature of today's kickoff event.
4. It's going to get even nastier. As the contenders try to inspire their base and knock the other guy, the rhetoric will only ratchet up. Witness what unfolded Monday: Nunn and Perdue blasted each other over claims about his business background. And Deal's camp launched its most bruising attack on Carter yet, leading the Democrat to respond that the numbers were "made up." Answered Deal: "If you're going to give it, you better be prepared to receive it." That back-and-forth was likely just a glimpse of what's to come.
(To others who have done something like this, just remember imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.)
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