Analysis: Isakson Senate seat secure from Demo challenge

The Augusta Chronicle ^ | August 10, 2009 | Larry Petersen

[Pan_Yan]

In March, I asked Democratic political consultant Beth Schapiro how her party might unseat U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson next year.

"It's hard to conceive of that happening," Schapiro said. "I really don't see a scenario under which he can be beaten."

Five months later, Schapiro, whose Atlanta-based firm also does campaign polling, hasn't changed her mind.

"I still don't see how he gets knocked off," she said last week.

Her assessment of the freshman Republican's prospects is widespread in Georgia political circles.

And apparently with good reason.

A recent Strategic Vision poll suggests Isakson likely is the most popular statewide political figure in Georgia.

He had a 54 percent job approval rating, compared to 51 percent for Gov. Sonny Perdue and 48 percent for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Forget, at least for now, about a Democrat getting help from Barack Obama next year. Forget that, although he eventually lost to Chambliss, U.S. Senate candidate Jim Martin got a boost from Obama last year.

Obama's approval rating in the recent poll was just 40 percent - down from 55 percent in April. So it might be just as well for Democrats that he won't be on the ballot next year.

Moreover, Isakson's re-election campaign is up and running and recently reported that it had more than $3 million in the bank.

In contrast, Democrats won't know who their nominee will be until after next July's primary. So far, there aren't even any announced wannabes. And University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock notes that mid-term elections rarely favor the party in control of the White House.

[Pan_Yan]

Isakson is a reliable conservative vote, but he is giving all the appearances of being just another GOP tailored senatorial stuffed shirt. I'd like to see him get a scare like him comrade Chambliss did last election.

[doodad]

Nuff said. I read him the riot act over this. Or at least his staff.

[Pan_Yan]

Nuff said. I read him the riot act over this. Or at least his staff.

His staff probably knows my return address by now. Everything I've seen of the man tells me he doesn't read any of his mail. Some junior flunkie gives him a "fer it / aginn it" tally before he votes.