Martin, Chambliss Appear Headed Towards Run-off

With 96% of precincts reporting, incumbent Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss is under the threshold of 50% plus one needed to avoid a December 2nd run-off with Democrat Jim Martin.

Saxby Chambliss (R) - 1,777,769 (49.8%)

Jim Martin (D) - 1,671,932 (46.8%)

Allen Buckley (L) - 121,862 (3.4%)

Totals - 3,571,563

Source: Georgia Secretary of State, "Unofficial And Incomplete Results of the Tuesday, November 04, 2008 General Election", November 5, 2008

Many of the local papers and t.v. stations are cautiously withholding any predictions on the Georgia U.S. Senate race until all votes are counted, and more than likely, recounted [Sources: Atlanta Journal Constitution, "No decision, no majority in Senate race", November 4, 2008; 11Alive.com, "Chambliss Leads Martin, Runoff May Loom", November 5, 2008].

It appears as if Jim Martin may have forced Saxby Chambliss into overtime, but it may be days before we know for sure.