Encore in Georgia

When I wrote here about Senator Saxby Chambliss, Republican of Georgia, being all but assured of victory, I had forgotten what I wrote here about that hallowed southern tradition, the runoff election.

At least some of the southern states have retained the requirement that a runoff election be held, if no candidate exceeds 50% of the vote the first time around. Here is a New York Times article from 1990, discussing whether such laws still have a racially discriminatory effect.

Be that as it may, the Senate race in Georgia appears to be headed toward a December 2 runoff. According to unofficial returns, Chambliss's total is a fraction below 50%.