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Tight presidential race affects Georgias Senate contest
Isakson seeks re-election against Democrat Barksdale, Libertarian Buckley
1031SENATE
Candidates for Georgia's U.S. Senate, from left, incumbent Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson, Libertarian Allen Buckley and Democrat Jim Barksdale debate during a taping at Georgia Public Television Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, in Atlanta. - photo by John Bazemore
Johnny Isakson is heading into the final days of Georgia’s U.S. Senate race with a comfortable lead over Democratic challenger Jim Barksdale in the polls, but the race could be the closest contest of the Republican incumbent’s Senate career. The unexpectedly tight margin in Georgia between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton has complicated Isakson’s bid for a third term, along with Libertarian Allen Buckley siphoning votes. Georgia hasn’t gone for a Democratic presidential candidate since Bill Clinton’s first run in 1992, and Democrats hope a close presidential contest will affect down-ballot contests like the Senate race.