This is, after all, the first federal election in the nation since the Democratic takeover of Congress in November 2006.

From the AJC's Political Insider:

[P]olitical strategists are obsessed with . . . whether Iraq can trounce immigration. Or vice-versa.

Within the next seven weeks, Georgia could supply the answer.

The two issues that have whipped and split the nation will converge on conservative east Georgia, where 10 candidates are engaged in a special election to fill the vacancy created by the death of U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Augusta).

The immigration issue is already stirring the pot.

[T]here was talk of [former state senator Jim] Whitehead taking the June 19 contest without a run-off. Mathematically improbable to begin with, that goal was rendered politically impossible two weeks ago.

That’s when U.S. senators in Washington unveiled their bipartisan proposal for immigration reform.

Whitehead, who has made illegal immigration his signature issue, quickly condemned the bill. But that’s not his problem.

Suddenly, running as the establishment Republican candidate, while still packed with financial benefits, doesn’t have all the shine that it had two months ago.

Which brings us to James Marlow of Lincolnton, one of three Democratic candidates in the race. Contrary to many expectations, Marlow has been able to consolidate most Democrats around his candidacy by focusing on one issue: Iraq.

Even key Republicans say they expect a significant anti-Iraq vote out of Athens to hand Marlow the second run-off spot. Despite the fact that the 10th District lists heavily Republican, Marlow hopes a strong showing could persuade Democrats in Washington make a four-week investment in a two-man contest.