November 16, 2008
Posted: 05:15 PM ET
Clinton will hit the trail in Georgia Wednesday.
Clinton will hit the trail in Georgia Wednesday.

(CNN) — Three weeks before Georgia’s December 2 Senate runoff vote, former President Bill Clinton – the last Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state – will stump for his party’s candidate Jim Martin, locked in a tight race with incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss.

Clinton, who first visited the state for Martin last fall, will become the first high-profile Democrat to visit the state to campaign for the Senate challenger since Election Day.

The former president’s campaign event in Atlanta Wednesday will have an economic focus, according to Martin’s campaign.

Former Republican presidential nominee John McCain visited Georgia last week to campaign for Chambliss.

Filed under: Bill Clinton • Jim Martin


cyrusk   November 16th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Saxby Chambliss has been a Bush "rubber Stamp". He never said "NO" to George Bush.
Additionally, he defeated McClelan, the man who lost three limbs for America, by questioning his patriotism.

We, in Georgia, don't need a senator who has been Bush's rubber stamp. We need a senator who will break from the same old past and help Pres. elect Obama bring change that Ameica and Americans want.

If you live in Georgia, DO NOT forgert;

1- vote
2- talk to friends, neighbors, relatives and make sure they vote too.

This round is as important as the first round, if not more important.
Barack Obama got elected, but we need Jim Martin in the senate.

AB   November 16th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Great cant wait to participate and do all that I can to ensure Georgia Senate turns blue; If Mcsame can support Shamebliss inspite of is cowardly ads

here was bomb bomb mcsame response to shamebliss bastardly ad

"I'd never seen anything like that ad. Putting pictures of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden next to the picture of a man who left three limbs on the battlefield — it's worse than disgraceful. It's reprehensible."

then certainly our Excelent Mr President can speak on behalf of Jim Martin

I luv koolaid   November 16th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Still waiting for the postpartisan era.

:-)

Ali   November 16th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Republicans are scared, they know they not gonna win this seat

Robert   November 16th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Mr. Clinton:

Why won’t you list the contributors to your presidential library? What are you trying to hide? “I never had sex with that woman.” Of course not, she had it with you, right? Just how stupid and forgetful do you think the people of Georgia really are, Bill?

scot   November 16th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Lets make the GOP extinct, like the Whig party.

Dudley Do Right   November 16th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Enough allready.

DC Insider   November 16th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

If Clinton is for this guy, he is a scoundrel. Interesting how Bill and Hillary have become such loyal Dems this year – wonder why? The OLD (read NO CHANGE) crowd in DC know that they can "handle" Obama and get their agenda pushed across. Obama is the furthest thing from change that will ever be witnessed in DC. The election was a media scam. The real people who will be running the country are Bill CLinton, Hillary, Pelosi, Reid, Kerry, Biden, Barney Frank and a host of long term Dems — this is not about change and never was.

sue   November 16th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Good for Bill. Great idea!

Tuan   November 16th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

GOP is the MASTER of 2% SOCIALISM.

GOP stand for:
Greedy Oil-based Party
Gangbang Our Pocket

red33,cedar rapids, ia   November 16th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

'Ole' Bill just can't stay out of the limelight, can he???

earle,florida   November 16th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I have the greatest respect for Bill Clinton,and believe wholeheartedly he can help Dem. candidate Jim Martin defeat senate republican incumbent Chambliss. Georgia has some serious illegal-emigration problems, more so than their neighboring states, this will figure greatly into the local economic focus concerns. Why, this will help, is that the Clinton's (Hillary/Bill) have shown great empathy for this group of unfortunates, initiating ways to integrate their resources/culture into a vibrant society, enhancing the diversity that has made america the greatest country in the world. Remember this one thought,we are a country of emigrants, and the Republican Party seems to have lost that message!

Greg Hodges   November 16th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

While I fully expect the Republicans to win in Georgia; wouldn`t it be shocking if the Democrats could pull off an upset even in the heart of Dixie. The G.O. P. are desperate to hold on to the Deep South. If they can`t win there; they are really up the proverbial creek without a paddle. By the way; what happens when the police haul Ted Stevens out of Congress in handcuffs. Even people in Alaska must realize how foolish they look voting for a convicted felon!

Lori WV   November 16th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I hope President Clinton helps Martin win Georgia. We have sent the Democratic party the message…we need change

We are sick of the lies, the self centered ideals the Republican have ruled on. They are self serving, only thinking of themselves and their cronies while the country withers away.

I am sick of the hate media that Hannity and Rush spew, they are negative and lie. I can't take more than ten seconds of their bull, they are bought and paid for by the right.

They talk about going back to their roots? What a joke. Their roots are as corrupt as they are now. Big government..they wrote the book. Special interests groups–they are full of them on the right.

It is time to concentrate on the US, our people and the Republican party will NEVER give us that.

Sue   November 16th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Clinton is the last President to have a balanced budget and a surplus…if he's talking economy, people will listen.

Gene Penszynski from Vermont   November 16th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

If Bill Clinton can turn this state Blue again in this election I wish him God Speed. Do your thing Bill and let's get another Democrat in the Senate. We'er going to need him there to get this nation moving along the correct path once again. THANKS Bill !

Oh how I wish your VP Al Gore had been president over the last eight years as oppsed to that numbskull G W Bush. but at least we're on the correct path now.

Jordan   November 16th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Go Hilly-Billy!

Allens   November 16th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Good for democrats

Michael G Ventura,CA   November 16th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Excellent idea!

Juan Grain   November 16th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Maybe it is not a good idea for President Obama to have 60 seats in the senate! His biggest thorn will be the Democrats.

There IS hope for the future>>>   November 16th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

WJC is a good man. We all have skeletons in our closet and yes, he did do something that should have stayed between him and Hilary in the days of his White House endeavors, but, he NEVER sent us into a war that was not warrented and he did not get anyone killed. THAT is the difference between him and Bush and in MY book, that makes him the better leader of the two…

Jake145   November 16th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Excellent!! Georgia needs an overhaul big time.

Larry   November 16th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

For the sake of the country I sure hope Chambliss WINS,we can ill afford another Liberal in the Senate–There NEEDS to be some CHECKS and BALANCES,Georgia voters can really make a difference about what happens the next four years.

just a thought   November 16th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

vote jim martin georgia.

Joseph Adewole   November 16th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Americans and Georgians in particular knew Bill's economic records when he was The President of US, l wish Georgians will see the light now and remember, they will have to contribute their quota to see that the damage done to US economy by Republicans is repaired. To do this, they will be better off by supporting the candidate Bill supports; Bill Clinton will not support a candidate he is not sure of. Jim is the right candidate.

Independent but Leaning   November 16th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Boy, Obama is playing the Clintons along just like did the American people.

Bill may be in GA, but we all know he's really campaigning for Hillary, Sec of State '08.

Anonymous   November 16th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

good

Simmy   November 16th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

P.S.
Republicans: Don't put your hopes in Bobby Jindal (LA)!

He's the Antecedent to the Anti-Christ! He's wearing a mask!

He tries to act like he's laid back, and he is; he's waiting for his time!

We Democrats will be waiting for him!!!!

victor osoka   November 16th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Democrat is going to carry Geogia senatorial seat come December 2, Mr President- elect will also campaign for Martin. Republican should expect another defeat, America should rise up and punish the Republican party for their fell policy.

Chuck   November 16th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

C'mon political leaders. Go down to Georgia and campaign for Jim Martin. Martin deserves to win over the likes of Chambliss, who has perpetually played dirty political pool against his opponents.

Mildred Pais   November 16th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

One of the Best Presidents ever I doubt there will be another like him.

James From Chicago   November 16th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Clinton still has a lot of clout and people love him. I'm sure
it will help Martin win.

Vic   November 16th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Thank you President Clinton. Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz   November 16th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

THANK YOU PRESIDENT CLINTON !!!!

WHAT EVER DOUBTS I DEVELOPED

DURING THE NOMINATION CAMPAIGN ABOUT

BILL & HILLARY, HAVE MORE THAN PROVEN ME

WRONG. WE ARE GRATEFUL. MUCH LOVE TO YOU BOTH.

Mark, B'ham., Al.   November 16th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Ya'll had better hide the Georgia Peaches from Bill!

Mark, B'ham., Al.   November 16th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Ya'll had better hide the Georgia Peaches from Bill!

David Goldman   November 16th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

GO BILL GO !!!!

WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR BILL A 3RD & 4TH TIME.

IF ANYBODY CAN, BILL WILL GET THAT GEORGIA SEAT FOE US !!!!

Roland   November 16th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Where can I mail a check to help Martin win?!?!!?

mitch   November 16th, 2008 11:53 am ET

bill is more popular than mccain.

Felly   November 16th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Go get'm Bubba!

petena   November 16th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Go Bill Go! We will also win this race. Come on everybody, lets do it one more time.

Rachel   November 16th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Good we need that senate seat.

jane in Columbus,ks   November 16th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Democrats could definitely use another seat in the senate so this is a very smart and strategic move by the Democratic National Committee to send a big gun and hopefully more to follow. Shambliss ran a filthy campaign against a true war hero and man of honor to get his seat in the first place and a trouncing would be very fitting for such a slimeball. Republicans must learn somehow that no bad deed ever goes unpunished and the rest of America is watching for Georgians to stand tall and do the right thing this time around. Change is coming.

C   November 16th, 2008 11:34 am ET

GA WILL BE A BLUE STATE BY 2012!

Anna, ATL   November 16th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Nice of Bill to step in while Obama works diligently on his staffing needs come January.

Dont you all be dousing Bill.
He was and is still the MAN.

Tiff of lithia springs   November 16th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Thanks Bill,

We need your help here in GEORGIA.

Elizabeth   November 16th, 2008 11:29 am ET

This is EXCELLENT! This run-off needs to be higher profile. I continue to hear people here in rural GA say that they are unaware of the election or although they were avid supporters of Obama they do not see the upcoming run-off as important to them. Dems need to get the word out and who better than Bill Clinton.

Obama 08   November 16th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Yeah! Slick Willie would have a more positive influence than the loser John McCain!

Paul Dawson   November 16th, 2008 11:28 am ET

It's good Bill have found someone to campaign for that does NOT some how directly benefits him.

Paul Dawson   November 16th, 2008 11:27 am ET

It's good Bill have found someone to campaign for that does some how directly benefits him.

Marge   November 16th, 2008 11:26 am ET

NO matter, no matter how they try …..no body's got it like Bill. He rocks now and for always.,

Toyin   November 16th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Georgia is what it is Bill. It is not about Martin or Chambliss, it is that most white folks around here think the republican party represents white people. And that is why Republicans win here, not because they have good ideas.

Donald, Canton, NC   November 16th, 2008 11:21 am ET

As a former life-time resident of Georgia I find the low level of politics to have reached rock-bottom with the elections of former Republican Governors and US Senators.
Since Ralph Reed's defeat as Leiutenant Govenor, things still haven't changed much.
Now Saxby Chamblis is trying to marshall the extreme right to get re-elected. That was evident last week with John McCain, Lindsey Graham and (former idiot) Zell Miller on the stage. It looked more like party at a retirement community, rather than a sampling of Republican Senators and Leaders.
Hopefully, the turnout will be great enough to take this Senator back away from Zaxby Chambliss after his blasphemous and vile campaign against Max Cleveland six years ago. This is the brand of people and politics that Georgia nor this Country deserves.

Chapman   November 16th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Excellent call…
With polling data showing neither Presidential candidate holding much sway in this race, McCain & the Repubs ignore that data, While Obama & the Dems respond with their most effective weapon in their arsenal (in that State)…

Rod   November 16th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Jim Martin is currently running an ad featuring a "hidden" camera of Saxby Chambliss at a rally saying that he doesn't understand what the term "recession" means. This has the potential to devastate his campaign the way the "fundamentals of our economy are sound" devastated McCain's chances.

M. WINNERS   November 16th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Off the subject but worth noting:

Neocon repugliCONS and blue-dog democRATS to US Auto Industry workers:
SCREW ‘EM – LET ‘EM EAT CAKE…

wishing   November 16th, 2008 11:15 am ET

For many reasons I admire President Clinton. However, his visit to GA will only have limited appeal to GA voters. The DNC should make sure that other 'lights' of the party come to GA for Jim Martin: Biden, Hillary, even Obama.

Perhaps Lieberman could be asked to carry water in order to 'earn' back his Chairmanship. Other Republicans (Lieberman is a Republican as far as I am concerned), willing to put national progress ahead of party politics, should also be solicited into campaigning for Martin.

Russ   November 16th, 2008 11:10 am ET

That is Great! Full Court Press! But here's the question: Is the third party candidate also in the runoff? If so, does that candidate take votes from Chambliss? Or did he in the first election?

Anyone?

Dixie AZ   November 16th, 2008 11:06 am ET

I am hopeful that Clinton's campaigning for Martin will not be as half-hearted as it was for Obama. In his campaign speeches, he usually spends more time bragging about his administration than helping the candidate he's supposed to be supporting.

j   November 16th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Good choice, Bill Clinton will do a good job for Martin. Obama needs to put his political program to work for Martin in Georgia. Getting volunteers to help get out the vote is a good idea and the Dems need to embrace and make Obama's "get out the vote" efforts their own.

Albo58   November 16th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Bill is going to Georgia to stir up the black vote for the Democratic candidate so the nightmare of a Democratic 60% Senate majority can become a reality. This in turn would give the new president the ability to govern as a dictator since the Democrats already have a large majority in the House. And don't think for a minute that the majority leaders, Pelosi and Reid, are going to do anything but rubber-stamp his proposals! The good news is that a lot of Georgian taxpayers realise this imminent danger and will go to the polls to vote for Chambliss, though Chambliss did foolishly vote for the $750B bail out. Hopefully Chambliss will have learned his lesson after this tight election and will return to his conservative roots!

LJinLACA   November 16th, 2008 10:57 am ET

C'mon Georgians!

Bring this election home for the people!

Vote for Martin!

Franky   November 16th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Yep, Bill is one crazy son of a…LOL!!

Bill did took Georgia, right? Not a bad idea considering Martin is still in there..

Randy, San Francisco   November 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

The Clinton magic is still there!

Butch Dillon   November 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I know nothing about Jim Martin. However, I do know that Chambliss is a fear mongering, cowardly cheap shot artist who Swift Boated Max Cleland to win his senate seat. His kind needs to be crushed out of political existence. Three cheers for Bill Clinton. I hope more high profile Democrats show up to support Martin and beat Chambliss.

BM   November 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Yeah, Bubba!
I'm loving it! You and Hillary have earned a renewed respect from African-Americans.

Simmy   November 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Go get 'em President Clinton! Turn it Blue!

Dennis   November 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Hopefully they can get Bush and Palin to campaign for Chambliss too!

Barack   November 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Thanx President Clinton. Let's make sure that democrats win so that we can undo the irrational Bush policies and rebuild our beloved country.

Daina   November 16th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Whatever happened to presidents serving their country and then walking away. Why are the Clintons still hanging around?

For anyone who doesn't know it by now hiring HILLARY CLINTON means there will be drama. She lives for it. There will be more drama for Barack because she doesn't care about his administration. It's a trial run for her administration. So whatever drama she can create in his administration will be fine with her.

I've agreed with everything Barack has done so far, but this woman should be bannished to Congress and New York only. She shouldn't be in his administration because she is nothing but trouble.

Denise Groves   November 16th, 2008 10:46 am ET

I hope Martin wins. I cannot stomach another member of the GOP back in D.C.

Daina, NC   November 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Whatever happened to presidents serving gthe compainy and then walking away. Why are the Clintons still hanging around?

For anyone who doesn't know it by now hiring HILLARY CLINTON means there will be drama. She lives for it. There will be more drama for Barack because she doesn't care about his administration. It's a trial run for her administration. So whatever drama she can create in his administration will be fine with her.

I've agreed with everything Barack has done so far, but this woman should be bannished to Congress and New York only. She shouldn't be in his administration because she is nothing but trouble.

Jan   November 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

I am surprised he is doing this after Obama "played the race card on him". These dems have hearts of stone–nothing but power matters to any of them. When you have no morale fiber, you have no conscionce

C. HERNANDEZ   November 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

YOU GO MR. PRESIDENT REPUBLICANS NEED TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY SO REAL CHANGE CAN COME…..
+

NickSanDiego   November 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

OHHHHH They are sending BUBBA!!

I bet the repub guys are SWEATING!!

conservative   November 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Ought to be a detriment !

coolingstar9   November 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Hope whoever win can bring development and progress to the city.

Pinnochino   November 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Has Bills nose got longer or is it just the photo?He will need his best southern drawl to help get Chambliss'THE FEARMONGER" out of there.

Charlotte   November 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Nobody does it better then Bill…

Shirley   November 16th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Way to go, Bill. Glad you are stepping in because of McCain campaigning there for Chambliss.

Barbara in NC   November 16th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Turn Georgia Blue in the Senate, Bill. We got rid of an old-school bigot from NC, you can do it in GA too.

Meka   November 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

This is great!

Texas Teacher   November 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Mr. Martin is a shoo-in! Bill Clinton is a credible voice and a great politician! We all know that. The man was not perfect, but who is. He surely did a fine job governing this country as President even WITH the Republican Witch Hunt! And that is what he had to contend with all 8 years in office. And what stuck…. the man was unfaithful to his wife! Our tax dollars went to prove that! Look at the difference in what these HIGHLY moral Republicans have done to this country.

Wake up, Christian Right, you have just been relieved of the Republican dictatorship that was on the horizon!

Don't think for one moment that was not the agenda! :) God bless Barack Obama…. THE ONE!

JAY N.H.   November 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

I think this will help Jim a lot. Bill is very popular with african-americans, and hopefully will get them to turn out. On a side note all these people who are criticizing Obama for picking a lot of old clinton staffers need to remember that Obama is picking the best people for the job, and the last time this country enjoyed economic prosperity was during the clinton admin. He turned a deficit from Sr. Bush into a surplus. So we need to give Obama a break and see how he performs before we criticize.

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