Yesterday I wrote a diary speculating whether President-elect link Obama would/should travel to actively campaign for Jim Martin if there is a Georgia Senate runoff...
According to local political expert interviewed by Newsweek, this possibility appears likely:
"In the next few weeks, Georgia will be the center of the electoral universe," says Charles S. Bullock, a political science professor at University of Georgia. "I see national Democrats and Republicans focusing their efforts here and pouring money into the state for this runoff. I'd expect we'd see Barack Obama here and John McCain too."
If so, this could be quite interesting. In my previous diary, I alluded to a similar situation Bill Clinton faced in 1992. Then, it was incumbent Wyche Fowler. According to the New York Observer:
For the three weeks between the November 3 election and the November 24 run-off, the Wyche-Fowler contest functioned as an extension of the presidential race. Even though Clinton wouldn't be inaugurated until January, it was seen as the first referendum on the incoming president: How much power were voters willing to vest him with?
According
If Newsweek is right, the 2008 campaign is not yet over. This could be the next test of the Obama grassroots organization. On the other hand, Obama may decide to stay out. Personally, I feel divided about the issue. It could backfire if Martin loses, and it will be difficult to beat Chambliss given the low expected turnout. On the other hand, I really want that 60th vote and it would really be nice to send Saxby packing.