ATLANTA (AP) - When a federal judge reset Georgia's election calendar, the move affected more than just state and county election officials.
It means candidates running for office must also consider an earlier primary and the possibility of a longer runoff as they map out their plan for victory.
The stakes are nowhere higher than in in the race for Georgia's open U.S. Senate seat. A runoff in the GOP primary is all but certain with a crowded field of well-funded candidates. Meanwhile, Democrats are hopeful a strong candidate can easily navigate the primary and prepare for a showdown in the fall.
Campaign strategists say a longer runoff will allow candidates to raise more money and take momentum. For the voters, it will likely mean a longer period of more intense advertising.
