"I also am not sure if Collins supporters would support Cain in a runoff, but I think cain backers would support Collins in a runoff with pro-abortion Isakson."
Conservatives WILL unite against Isakson in the run off. You will see. I've talked to good Collins people who agree.
"Isakson must remain the favorite at this time based mostly on name ID: he was the GOP nominee for governor 14 years ago against the popular Zell Miller."
Favorite, yes. Atlanta name ID, yes. Statewide: no. A north metro Atlantan never wins a statewide race. Johnny has never won a statewide race. Isakson is a career politician. Get out the way Johnny! Here comes the Cain Train!
Wasn't Isakson pretty much selected by Gingrich as his successor in the House? Does Gingrich's support for Isakson help or hurt him now?
Besides, I believe Isakson did lose a primary: in 1996 against Guy Millner. Millner was also a businessman, like Cain, who had not held public office before.