Tony Perkin's, FRC Action: Tomorrow's runoff election between Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Democratic challenger Jim Martin should provide some clues as to how much leeway the liberal majority can count on next month to push the new President's agenda. Although a Martin victory would inch Democrats closer to the 60-seat target, the liberal leadership understands that for all practical purposes, they may already have a filibuster-proof majority. With the support of Maine's liberal Republicans Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) knows that with a little prodding, he has the votes needed to pass sweeping reforms on everything from health care to the economy. Meanwhile, Reid's eyes and the rest of the nation's are on Georgia's runoff tomorrow and Minnesota's recount between Sen. Norm Coleman (R) and comedian Al Franken (D) for the same reason -- their significance to key votes on values issues and the upcoming nominations to administration positions. In Chambliss, the GOP has a reliable pro-lifer, who has consistently voted to protect the lives of the unborn and traditional marriage. On the other hand, his opponent supports taxpayer-funded abortion, same-sex "marriage," "hate crimes" legislation, and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Martin and Chambliss's stark differences, particularly on the life issue, will have an immediate effect on the next session, where Democrats have already outlined broad changes to President Bush's policies. Not only does the new administration plan to expand embryonic stem cell research, but the Senate leadership will further expand SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) and impose a condom-based approach to the billions in PEPFAR funding. For a complete rundown on where the candidates stand, check out FRC Action's congressional voter guide. Tags: 2008 Elections, Georgia, Jim Martin, Saxby Chambliss, US Senate To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!
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