Friday, October 31, 2008

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Senator Saxby Chambliss leads Democratic challenger Jim Martin by five percentage points in his bid for re-election in Georgia. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the race finds the Republican incumbent with 48% of the vote and Martin with 43%. Libertarian Party candidate Allen Buckley picks ups seven percent (7%) of the vote while two percent (2%) remain undecided.

But, under Georgia law, a candidate must win at least 50% of the vote or face a run-off election in December.

If Buckley’s support stays at current levels, it would be difficult for either Chambliss or Martin to win the majority needed to avoid a run-off. It is also possible, however, that some Buckley supporters may choose instead to vote for one of the major party candidates.

A week ago Chambliss was ahead by just two points, the closest the race has been all year and the highest level of support for Martin, whose campaign has spent roughly half-a-million dollars on attack ads against Chambliss over the past month. Just three weeks ago, Chambliss held a six-point lead.

Chambliss is viewed favorably by 58% of voters statewide while Martin earns positive reviews from 48%.

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Unaffiliated voters are evenly divided—39% for Martin, 37% for Chambliss, and 20% for Buckley. (Premium Members can view full demographic crosstabs).

Rasmussen Markets data gives Chambliss has a % chance of winning re-election in November. These results are updated on a 24/7 basis by market participants. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom.

Governor Sonny Perdue, a Republican, earns good or excellent ratings from 48% of voters in Georgia while 22% say he is doing a poor job.

The latest numbers on the presidential race in Georgia will be released today at 3 p.m. Eastern.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.