Georgia Senate race: Another Nunn | savannahnow.com

SHE HAS an impressive political pedigree. But does Michelle Nunn have what it takes to turn a red state blue?

On Monday, the 46-year-old daughter of former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn announced plans to run for her father’s old seat.

The Atlanta Democrat joins a crowded field of Republican contenders, which include Savannah’s Jack Kingston, seeking to follow the retiring Saxby Chambliss.

She also sets up what likely will be a fiercely contested — and costly — race.

Sam Nunn, who’s 74, is a centrist Democrat who served this state and this nation well as a senator from 1972 to 1997. His daughter has never held political office, which makes her candidacy a long shot.

However, with the name recognition that comes from being a Nunn, the backing of the national Democratic establishment and the experience as head of the nonprofit Points of Light Foundation that former Republican President George H.W. Bush founded, she’s no lightweight either.

She’s certainly the odds-on favorite to be the Democratic nominee in 2014.

If Republican candidates beat themselves up in the primary and the GOP nominee is battered — and broke — the general election could get interesting.

via Georgia Senate race: Another Nunn | savannahnow.com.