5 Predictors in Georgia Runoff

If Saxby Chambliss defeats Jim Martin in the Georgia Senate runoff today, Democratic hopes of a 60-seat majority will be dashed, Politico reports. Here are five things to look for as voters go again to the polls.

• Turnout: Martin's hopes ride on higher than average black participation, which happened Nov. 4 but is doubtful today.

• DeKalb County: Obama scored 79% of the vote in this rich, majority black area, and Martin 76%; if the challenger can't hold this bastion, stick a fork in him.
• The 'burbs: Chambliss has been losing ground in areas where he once polled strongly; if the trend continues, he could be in for a tough battle.
• Polls: watchers predicted Election Day results with great accuracy, and they've been favoring Chambliss, with the caveat that black turnout is notoriously unpredictable.
• The Election: the Web will be buzzing about the effect of Barack Obama, who did not actively campaign for Martin, and Sarah Palin, who spent many days in the state.

(More Saxby Chambliss stories.)