This U.S. Senate Race may be the most important race facing African Americans in Georgia.

"For the first time in Georgia history, an African American could be elected to the United States Senate from Georgia. Democrats in Georgia both white as well as African Americans who believe that the Republican controlled Senate seat has not served them well should make sure that Michael Thurmond is elected the next U.S. Senator from Georgia. Johnny Isakson represents the past failed Republican leadership. New vision and even handedness is required to move Georgia forward. Michael Thurmond in all of his political roles both past and present has always exercised non-biased, even-handed, diversified leadership. " Okay Georgia, VOTE and get out your checkbooks they're only separated by 12 points!

By: James H. "Jim" Welcome, Publisher

Atlanta, GA. In the race for U.S. Senate, the poll showed incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson leading Democrat Michael Thurmond 47% to 35%.

The poll was conducted with the firm's usual IVR telephone survey system and included results from 554 registered voters who said they were likely to vote in the November elections. The results were weighted for age, race gender and political affiliation. In the U.S. Senate race, the poll produced these results:

In the race for U.S. Senate, the results were:

Johnny Isakson, 47%

Michael Thurmond, 35%

Chuck Donovan (Libertarian), 7%

No opinion, 11%

Insider Advantage CEO Matt Towery offered this analysis, beginning with the Senate race:

"Sen. Isakson is near the magic 50 percent-plus-one range before running even his first television commercial. US senators inevitably see a significant amount of their name ID disappear over a six-year period because they are in Washington, D.C., and aren't available to be seen on local television on a regular basis. Once Isakson begins his television campaign, I expect to see a substantial consolidation of the vote, with Isakson likely to move into the mid-50s or above.

"Michael Thurmond is performing admirably. However, there are relatively few African Americans with no opinion in the race and this would, of course, be his most reliable base. [Thurmond is black.] I also expect to see the Libertarian candidate decline based on historic trends. A large portion of that likely would go to Isakson, as well.

"This poll should not be misinterpreted by the politically naïve. A very old rule of thumb was that incumbent candidates had to be at 50 percent or above to be considered 'safe.' In the last five to eight years, that rule of thumb has changed, particularly when a candidate has not even launched his first television commercial. Sen. Isakson's numbers are more than sufficient to suggest that, absent some catastrophic occurrence involving his entire party, Isakson will be returned to the US Senate while Thurmond will likely make a name for himself and emerge as a potential leader in whatever form the Democratic Party takes after the elections."