Georgia Runoff Turnout Light In Richmond County
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Georgia Runoff Turnoff Light In Richmond County...
Voting is underway in Tuesday's Senate runoff in Georgia. The race between Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss and Democrat challenger Jim Martin could decide whether Democrats get a 60-vote super...
Voting is underway in Tuesday’s Senate runoff in Georgia. The race between Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss and Democrat challenger Jim Martin could decide whether Democrats get a 60-vote super majority in the U.S. Senate. Neither candidate got the required 50% plus one in last month’s election. But, what kind of interest has the runoff generated? Election officials say voter turnout was expected to be light. WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford was out and about to gauge the turnout.
Augusta, GA—There was a steady stream of voters, but no lines to report in and around Augusta, as voters decide Tuesday’s Senate runoff election in Georgia.
Mary Taylor, Augusta, GA: “I thought I’d have a line. I just got here and I voted, and everything seemed to turn out, alright.“
A 15 to 20 percent voter turnout was expected in Richmond County.
Lynn Bailey, Executive Director, Richmond County Board of Elections: “Some people will look at that and say that’s an awfully low number, but typically, when you have a runoff following a huge election like we had 4 weeks ago, it’s really hard to get voters to be inspired.“
Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss is seeking a second term, against Democrat Jim Martin, in a campaign that drew national political heavyweights.
Monday, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin stumped for Chambliss in the Garden City. And hip-hop heavyweights threw their support behind Martin. In the end, the candidate who gets more of his supporters back to the polls will win.
Richard Bramblett, Augusta, GA: “I think it’ll probably favor the Republican, I think especially, in Richmond County, because there was a big turnout for Democrats for the Presidential election. I think that won’t be quite the same in this one.“
This is one of two unresolved races that Democrats need to win in order to get a 60-seat, filibuster-resistant majority.
Lynn Bailey: “When you have a low turnout like we’ll see, today, every voters vote carries a little bit more weight than it might, otherwise.“
For runoff election results, click here.
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