SHELLMAN, Ga. — Michelle Nunn strolled along train tracks stretching past a depleted downtown lined with empty storefronts and toward a crowd of supporters hoping to meet the state’s next senator.
At a private home in the southwestern corner of the state, the first-time candidate greeted a bipartisan duo of state legislators, chatted up some 50 curious admirers and delivered a rhythmic 10-minute stump speech that was heavy on bipartisanship and light on an unpopular president.
“We have a real viable race here,” Nunn said.
How viable depends in part on which Republicans emerge from the May 20 primary and who is nominated in the July 22 runoff. That crowded race remains up in the air, with five Republicans capable of advancing. As a result, the contest to replace retiring GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss is stuck in idle until mid-summer, giving Nunn another three months to prepare for the general.
President Barack Obama lost Georgia by 7 points two years ago, and his low approval ratings in 2014 could prove particularly detrimental to red-state Democratic candidates. Still, given the midterm election cycle landscape, this is likely Democrats’ best pickup opportunity, and party operatives are optimistic about Nunn, who raised $2.4 million in the first quarter.
via Georgia Democrat Michelle Nunn Waits Out GOP Senate Primary.
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