Thoughts on Georgia Possibly Turning Blue

 

I have moved to Georgia at a most interesting time. There is a very distinct possibility the Peach State could not only make Joe Biden the first Democrat they've picked for the White House in nearly a quarter century, but they could not send one, but two Democrats to the U.S. Senate. 

Judging by how Republican incumbent Senator David Perdue wants nothing more to do with Jon Ossoff after the Democratic challenger eviscerated him in a TV debate earlier this week. The Reverend Raphael Warnock is also expected to top the other Georgia Senate race.

But here's the rub. Unless either Ossoff or Warnock exceed 50% of the vote on Tuesday then there will be a runoff election on January 5, 2021. This is a possibility in the Ossoff-Warnock race as there is a Libertarian candidate on the ballot. It is nearly a certainty in Warnock's race as this is a special election to replace Johnny Isakson who resigned last year. Following Isakson's resignation, Georgia's Republican Governor appointed Kelly Loeffler to fill his seat until a special election could be held. There is no Democratic or Republican primary. Rather all candidates, Democrat, Republican or otherwise, appear on the same ballot. Loeffler will split the Republican vote with GOP Congressman Doug Collins who represents a largely rural area of northern Georgia encompassing Gainesville. 

While Atlanta is a liberal oasis, the rest of Georgia remains a conservative jurisdiction. If there is a runoff in January then the GOP will have a distinct advantage. On the other hand, if one or both of the Georgia Senate contests is the difference between Mitch McConnell remaining in control of the Senate and Democrats wresting the upper chamber then the whole country will be paying attention to Georgia leading up to the first days of 2021. If Biden wins then perhaps that momentum will help Ossoff and Warnock or it could motivate Republicans to keep a Senate majority. If Trumps gets re-elected, Democrats will move Heaven and Earth to gain control of the Senate. Whether that will be enough to move Georgians remains to be seen.

Although I hope Ossoff and Warnock win outright, I would welcome the opportunity to vote for them in the New Year to do my small part to turn Georgia blue.