Georgia runoff key to next Senate

Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss took an early lead tonight over Democratic challenger Jim Martin in the crucial US Senate runoff in Georgia.

With 25 percent of precincts reporting, Chambliss led 64 percent to 36 percent.

The result could swing the balance of power in the Senate that takes office in January. Democrats, with two independents who usually vote with them, control 58 seats -- two shy of the 60 that potentially could let them hurdle Republican filibusters.

Besides the Georgia seat, there is an ongoing recount in Minnesota between Republican incumbent Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken.

The Georgia race has attracted a bevy of big names from both parties in the final days of the campaign. While President-elect Barack Obama -- whose proposals could face roadblocks with Senate filibusters -- did not campaign for Martin, he did dispatch dozens of staffers and canvassers.