Georgia Congressional Race Tightens Heading Into Election Day

Everyone following politics these days is focusing on tomorrow's race in Georgia for the state's 6th Congressional seat where Republican Karen Handel is in a tight, tight race with Democrat Jon Ossoff.

Polls show Ossoff with a small lead heading into election day, and the political rhetoric reflects that as Handel's surrogates are spouting brash, baseless lines to her supporters to gin up votes at the ballot box.

Worst of the bunch is Brad Carver, GOP chairman of the neighboring 11th Congressional District in Georgia, who speaking about the recent shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise told the Washington Post, “I’ll tell you what: I think the shooting is going to win this election for us.”

Additionally, President Trump made a pitch to his followers this morning with this tweet.

The Dems want to stop tax cuts, good healthcare and Border Security.Their ObamaCare is dead with 100% increases in P's. Vote now for Karen H

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2017

In April, Ossoff won the primary with 48% and Handel trailing a distant 20%.

Of the 15 best-educated districts in the country, this traditionally Republican district is the only one Mr. Trump won in November, and by only a scant 1.5% margin.

Georgia: Karen Handel Doesn't Believe Gay Parents Are Legitimate - "Because I Don't"

Karen Handel (L) and Jon Ossoff (R)

If you happen to live in Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District, please get out to the polls in four days, June 20, to make sure HRC-backed Democrat Jon Ossoff wins the congressional seat.

Otherwise, you'll be stuck with homophobe Karen Handel.

Handel opposed marriage equality, civil unions, domestic partnership benefits and allowing same-sex couples to adopt during her 2010 gubernatorial campaign.

Handel has proudly told reporters that she doesn't think same-sex parents are as "legitimate" as different-sex parents. Why?

"Because I don't," says Handel.

Watch below.

Caught on camera: Jon Ossoff's opponent says #LGBTQ parents aren't legitimate. If you live in #GA06, #VoteYourOssoff on Tuesday, June 20. pic.twitter.com/fm6bwD48aZ

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) June 16, 2017

Deep Red Georgia Congressional Seat Heads To Runoff As Dem Leads By 28 Points

Democrat Jon Ossoff

Democrat Jon Ossoff will head into a run off with Republican Karen Handel on June 20 for Georgia's 6th Congressional seat vacated by now Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.

Ossoff fell just short of the 50 percent threshold that would have clinched the seat outright. Ossoff garnered 48.1% of the vote in a heavily Republican district. Handel, who got the second highest number of votes, trailed far behind with 19.8%.

To frame what a big scare this is to Republicans, and to President Trump, Price won his seat last November with 62% of the vote. Mitt Romney won the district by 23 points. But, Trump barely eeked out a win there with a one point margin.

Clearly, the lopsided voting last night was a referendum on the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

Democrats were so engaged in the special election, Ossoff raised over $8.3 million - more than four times his nearest competitor.

Ossoff issued this statement last night:

“This is already a remarkable victory. We defied the odds, shattered expectations, and now are ready to fight on and win in June.”

In a sign of how worried President Trump was about the race, he tweeted four times in less than 24 hours about the race.

This morning, Trump tried to frame the second place showing by Handel as a "win:"

Despite major outside money, FAKE media support and eleven Republican candidates, BIG "R" win with runoff in Georgia. Glad to be of help!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2017

Trump Worried As Democrat Jon Ossoff Leads By 25 Points Leading Up To Today's Special Election In Georgia

Pensive President Trump

President Trump must be worried about the special Congressional election happening in Georgia today to fill now Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's vacant seat.

A Democrat, Jon Ossoff, is leading the pack of 17 running for Georgia's 6th congressional district seat.

Averaging a 25 point lead in polling, Ossoff would need to win 50% today to avoid a runoff with the second place competitor.

Click image to enlarge

It would be an embarrassing blow to President Trump, and a possible sign of things to come in the 2018 elections, should a Democrat take the reliably red Congressional seat.

Trump's concerns are evident by his four tweets in less than 24 hours on the election.

The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2017

With eleven Republican candidates running in Georgia (on Tuesday) for Congress, a runoff will be a win. Vote "R" for lower taxes & safety!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

While Ossoff has never held office, the 30 year-old has the bona fides to validate his run: grew up in Georgia, earned his undergrad degree from prestigious Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics; was a national security aide to Rep. Hank Johnson; and he interned for Rep. John Lewis.

I watched Ossoff make an appearance yesterday on a cable news channel and was very impressed. He's clearly in his element.

In theory, Ossoff will lead the pack today. Only question is can he get to 50% and avoid a runoff?

If he's forced to a runoff, expect all the Republicans to pull together against him, and that could be tough. Republican Karen Handel has consistently held the number two spot in polls. I would imagine she would head into a runoff with Ossoff were he not able to cross the 50% threshold.