2010 Georgia Senate - Isakson vs. Thurmond

In 2002, Georgia snapped. The state had been among the last in the South to cling to its Democratic roots: Bill Clinton carried the state in 1992, and a coalition of African Americans and rural whites had kept the Democrats in control of the Governor’s mansion, the legislature and even a Senate seat.

All of that changed in 2002, as rural whites revolted, throwing out the state’s Democratic governor, senator, and legislature. Two years later, Johnny Isakson rolled to a 58-40 win over Congresswoman Denise Majette.

There’s not much to indicate things will be different in 2010. Isakson has a decent opponent in State Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond.  But there's still no reason to believe that Isakson is vulnerable this cycle, or that Georgia voters are embracing President Obama’s agenda.