Georgia: In 2014, Democrats believed that Georgia was one red state that they could turn blue. They had a very strong nominee in former Points of Light Foundation CEO Michelle Nunn and Republicans hosted a crowded primary and contentious run-off before nominating businessman David Perdue. Nunn couldn’t survive the midterm tide and Perdue won the race with 53 percent. While Democrats perform somewhat better in Georgia in a presidential year, Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson is well positioned in his bid for a third term. Despite some early speculation, Isakson will not face a serious primary challenge to his right. Despite a lack of evidence that the incumbent is particularly vulnerable in a general election, Democrat Jim Barksdale jumped into the race right before the filing deadline. Barksdale is the president and chief investment officer of the Atlanta-based Equity Investment Corporation, and can presumably put some personal money into the race. Before he can take on Isakson, though, he needs to survive a five-way primary, preferably without a run-off. Barksdale is a first-time candidate who will need to prove that he
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